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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:04,738 --> 00:00:06,605 Man: action! 2 00:00:09,309 --> 00:00:11,944 ( Music playing ) 3 00:00:22,856 --> 00:00:25,090 ( Doorbell rings ) 4 00:00:25,092 --> 00:00:27,359 All: trick or treat. 5 00:00:27,361 --> 00:00:31,597 Well, look at this, all the superheroes on our porch. 6 00:00:31,599 --> 00:00:32,965 Ain't that cute? 7 00:00:32,967 --> 00:00:35,000 We got superman here, 8 00:00:35,002 --> 00:00:40,339 and Batman and his sidekick Robin. 9 00:00:40,341 --> 00:00:42,041 The green lantern. 10 00:00:42,043 --> 00:00:44,176 And what about you, young man? 11 00:00:44,178 --> 00:00:47,079 What about what? 12 00:00:47,081 --> 00:00:49,114 Who are you supposed to be? 13 00:00:49,116 --> 00:00:50,949 I'm Harvey pekar. 14 00:00:50,951 --> 00:00:52,551 Pecker, pecker, pecker. 15 00:00:52,553 --> 00:00:54,720 Harvey pekar. 16 00:00:54,722 --> 00:00:56,822 That doesn't sound like a superhero to me. 17 00:00:56,824 --> 00:00:59,625 - ( Groans ) - pecker, pecker. 18 00:00:59,627 --> 00:01:01,927 I ain't no superhero, lady. 19 00:01:01,929 --> 00:01:04,696 I'm just a kid from the neighborhood, all right? 20 00:01:06,599 --> 00:01:08,367 Aw, forget this. 21 00:01:15,842 --> 00:01:19,478 Why does everybody have to be so stupid? 22 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:22,681 ( Music playing ) 23 00:03:38,818 --> 00:03:40,819 ( Harvey narrating ) okay... 24 00:03:40,821 --> 00:03:43,088 This guy here, he's our man-- 25 00:03:43,090 --> 00:03:45,490 all grown up and going nowhere. 26 00:03:45,492 --> 00:03:48,660 Although he's a pretty scholarly cat, 27 00:03:48,662 --> 00:03:51,730 he never got much of a formal education. 28 00:03:51,732 --> 00:03:54,666 For the most part he's lived in shit neighborhoods, 29 00:03:54,668 --> 00:03:57,069 held shit jobs and is now knee-deep 30 00:03:57,071 --> 00:03:59,104 into a disastrous second marriage. 31 00:03:59,106 --> 00:04:03,375 So if you're the kind of person looking for romance or escapism, 32 00:04:03,377 --> 00:04:05,510 or some fantasy figure to save the day, 33 00:04:05,512 --> 00:04:06,578 guess what? 34 00:04:06,580 --> 00:04:08,580 You got the wrong movie. 35 00:04:08,582 --> 00:04:10,282 Woman: that's great. 36 00:04:10,284 --> 00:04:11,917 Okay, so now you got four picks. 37 00:04:11,919 --> 00:04:14,353 You oughtta be able to patch one together from that. 38 00:04:14,355 --> 00:04:15,787 Right? 39 00:04:15,789 --> 00:04:18,056 Let's go to the next one, all right? 40 00:04:18,058 --> 00:04:20,759 Hold on a second. Do you want some water or something? 41 00:04:20,761 --> 00:04:22,761 Nah, I got lots of orange. 42 00:04:22,763 --> 00:04:25,697 - Do you like orange soda? - Yeah, orange is all right. 43 00:04:25,699 --> 00:04:28,634 All right, so let's go to the next sequence. 44 00:04:28,636 --> 00:04:31,203 Did you actually read the script? 45 00:04:31,205 --> 00:04:33,372 No. a little bit. 46 00:04:33,374 --> 00:04:37,109 - A little bit? - Just to check the construction. 47 00:04:37,111 --> 00:04:40,679 You know, of how the piece was constructed. 48 00:04:40,681 --> 00:04:42,648 I didn't read it word for word. 49 00:04:42,650 --> 00:04:44,583 Do you feel weird saying this stuff? 50 00:04:44,585 --> 00:04:46,952 No, I don't feel weird sayin' it. 51 00:04:46,954 --> 00:04:50,188 I don't know how long my voice is gonna hold out, but... 52 00:04:50,190 --> 00:04:52,591 ( Raspy voice ) doc, you gotta help me, man. 53 00:04:52,593 --> 00:04:56,795 My old lady's dumpin' me 'cause I can't talk. 54 00:04:56,797 --> 00:05:00,065 She says I'm a social embarrassment. 55 00:05:00,067 --> 00:05:03,235 Now that she's got her ph.D. 56 00:05:03,237 --> 00:05:06,371 She's some hotshit academic star, 57 00:05:06,373 --> 00:05:08,573 and I'm nothin' but a file clerk. 58 00:05:08,575 --> 00:05:11,209 Yeah but, you know, me being a file clerk was fine 59 00:05:11,211 --> 00:05:13,679 when I was signing the damn checks for her tuition, man. 60 00:05:13,681 --> 00:05:14,713 Harvey... 61 00:05:14,715 --> 00:05:16,481 Stop talking, please, and open wide. 62 00:05:16,483 --> 00:05:19,017 I started worrying my voice'd never come back, you know? 63 00:05:19,019 --> 00:05:22,087 - Say "ahh," Mr. pekar. - I mean, it's torture, I'm tellin' ya. 64 00:05:22,089 --> 00:05:26,158 Shh. ahh. 65 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:30,262 Ahhhh. 66 00:05:30,264 --> 00:05:32,097 Uh-huh. 67 00:05:32,099 --> 00:05:33,865 What? 68 00:05:33,867 --> 00:05:35,567 Is it bad, doc? 69 00:05:35,569 --> 00:05:37,169 It's not good. 70 00:05:37,171 --> 00:05:39,905 It's cancer. 71 00:05:39,907 --> 00:05:41,873 First I got marital problems, 72 00:05:41,875 --> 00:05:44,076 and now you're telling me i got throat cancer. 73 00:05:44,078 --> 00:05:45,911 For Christ sake, man. 74 00:05:45,913 --> 00:05:49,681 Harvey, calm down, it's not cancer. 75 00:05:49,683 --> 00:05:51,650 You have a nodule on your vocal cords, 76 00:05:51,652 --> 00:05:53,885 probably from screaming and yelling so much. 77 00:05:53,887 --> 00:05:55,387 And if you don't give it a rest, 78 00:05:55,389 --> 00:05:57,255 you're gonna lose your voice completely. 79 00:05:57,257 --> 00:05:58,557 Okay okay okay. 80 00:05:58,559 --> 00:06:01,226 But for how long? 81 00:06:01,228 --> 00:06:03,362 A few months. 82 00:06:03,364 --> 00:06:05,330 ( Shrieks ) months?! 83 00:06:05,332 --> 00:06:07,165 ( Groans ) 84 00:06:47,006 --> 00:06:48,540 Hey. 85 00:06:48,542 --> 00:06:51,176 Hey, come on, what is this? 86 00:06:51,178 --> 00:06:53,145 Exactly what it looks like. 87 00:06:53,147 --> 00:06:55,280 What do you mean? 88 00:06:55,282 --> 00:06:56,815 You mean you're dumpin' me? 89 00:06:56,817 --> 00:06:58,183 For what?! 90 00:06:58,185 --> 00:07:00,652 ( Groaning ) 91 00:07:02,255 --> 00:07:05,791 Look, this, uh, plebeian lifestyle 92 00:07:05,793 --> 00:07:10,128 just isn't working for me anymore, okay? 93 00:07:10,130 --> 00:07:13,799 I gotta get out of here before I kill myself. 94 00:07:18,838 --> 00:07:21,773 ( Faint, squeaky voice ) wait a minute, wait, wait a minute. 95 00:07:21,775 --> 00:07:24,009 Just listen to what i have to say, okay? 96 00:07:24,011 --> 00:07:27,579 ( Coughing ) 97 00:07:33,119 --> 00:07:34,586 ( Faintly ) don't go. 98 00:07:36,489 --> 00:07:38,123 I need you, baby. 99 00:07:38,125 --> 00:07:41,359 Please, don't go, okay? 100 00:08:01,481 --> 00:08:03,715 ( Harvey narrating ) here's our man. 101 00:08:03,717 --> 00:08:06,084 Yeah, all right, here's me. 102 00:08:06,086 --> 00:08:08,286 Or the guy playing me anyway. 103 00:08:08,288 --> 00:08:11,022 Though he don't look nothin' like me, but whatever. 104 00:08:11,024 --> 00:08:13,592 So it's a few months later 105 00:08:13,594 --> 00:08:16,561 and I'm working my flunky file-clerk gig 106 00:08:16,563 --> 00:08:18,230 at the v.A. Hospital. 107 00:08:18,232 --> 00:08:20,198 My voice still ain't back yet. 108 00:08:20,200 --> 00:08:22,267 Thank you, Harvey dear. 109 00:08:22,269 --> 00:08:25,270 Things seem like they can't get any worse. 110 00:08:25,272 --> 00:08:27,539 "Plebeian"? 111 00:08:27,541 --> 00:08:32,210 Where the hell'd she get that shit, man? 112 00:08:42,522 --> 00:08:45,557 Man: "avoid the reeking herd. 113 00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:47,626 Shun the polluted flock. 114 00:08:47,628 --> 00:08:50,829 Live like that stoic bird, 115 00:08:50,831 --> 00:08:52,764 the eagle of the rock." 116 00:08:52,766 --> 00:08:54,699 Hey, Mr. boats. 117 00:08:54,701 --> 00:08:56,768 You know what that means, son? 118 00:08:56,770 --> 00:08:58,703 Yup, it's, uh... 119 00:08:58,705 --> 00:09:01,039 It's from an Elinor hoyt wylie poem. 120 00:09:01,041 --> 00:09:03,174 It means, um... 121 00:09:03,176 --> 00:09:05,010 Excuse me. It means... 122 00:09:05,012 --> 00:09:08,046 Stay away from the crowds of common ordinary people 123 00:09:08,048 --> 00:09:10,749 and do your own thing. 124 00:09:10,751 --> 00:09:12,183 No. 125 00:09:12,185 --> 00:09:15,186 It means don't compromise yourself for women. 126 00:09:15,188 --> 00:09:16,855 It ain't gonna do you no good. 127 00:09:16,857 --> 00:09:19,190 Get away from 'em as soon as you can. 128 00:09:19,192 --> 00:09:22,327 Yup, well, I ain't got no woman now so... 129 00:09:22,329 --> 00:09:25,430 I'm living like the stoic bird, man. 130 00:09:25,432 --> 00:09:27,599 It's the only way to live, son. 131 00:09:28,634 --> 00:09:31,136 ( Music playing through headphones ) 132 00:09:31,138 --> 00:09:32,971 Mr. boats: Look at that fool there. 133 00:09:32,973 --> 00:09:35,173 Probably listening to that loud rock stuff. 134 00:09:35,175 --> 00:09:36,675 Junk. 135 00:09:36,677 --> 00:09:38,043 Junk, it's all junk. 136 00:09:38,045 --> 00:09:39,978 Yeah, I don't know, you know, I mean... 137 00:09:39,980 --> 00:09:42,747 Rock music's got some good qualities, uh... 138 00:09:42,749 --> 00:09:46,251 It isn't jazz or nothin', but you know... 139 00:09:46,253 --> 00:09:51,456 Say, when you gonna bring me in some of those good records? 140 00:09:51,458 --> 00:09:54,292 Some nat king Cole with strings? 141 00:09:54,294 --> 00:09:56,695 I don't got any of that, Mr. boats. 142 00:09:56,697 --> 00:09:58,229 - Yeah, you got 'em. - Yeah. 143 00:09:58,231 --> 00:10:00,432 You're keeping 'em at home though. 144 00:10:00,434 --> 00:10:03,535 You won't turn loose the good stuff. You just sell the junk! 145 00:10:06,305 --> 00:10:07,739 Nah, I... 146 00:10:07,741 --> 00:10:10,909 I just-- I, you know, keep the stuff I wanna keep. 147 00:10:10,911 --> 00:10:12,310 I don't, you know... 148 00:10:12,312 --> 00:10:14,846 I sold a lot of good material by people, 149 00:10:14,848 --> 00:10:18,249 you know, that he didn't like, you know? 150 00:10:18,251 --> 00:10:21,519 You know, Mr. boats didn't like any blues 151 00:10:21,521 --> 00:10:23,488 or anything like that. 152 00:10:23,490 --> 00:10:24,823 And, uh... 153 00:10:24,825 --> 00:10:27,192 He played classical violin. 154 00:10:29,695 --> 00:10:31,529 I started record collecting 155 00:10:31,531 --> 00:10:33,898 when I was 15 or 16 years old. 156 00:10:33,900 --> 00:10:37,068 I started getting interested in jazz. 157 00:10:37,070 --> 00:10:39,704 Prior to that I had collected comic books. 158 00:10:39,706 --> 00:10:42,841 I was always a collector. 159 00:10:45,478 --> 00:10:50,148 I admit to having an obsessive-compulsive quality in me. 160 00:10:52,618 --> 00:10:55,387 It's like the "treasure of the Sierra madre" or something. 161 00:10:55,389 --> 00:10:58,023 You know, you go to thrift shops and you go to garage sales 162 00:10:58,025 --> 00:11:01,026 'cause you think you're gonna find something that's, 163 00:11:01,028 --> 00:11:02,661 you know, real rare. 164 00:11:02,663 --> 00:11:05,330 And, you know, most of the time it's a total waste of time. 165 00:11:05,332 --> 00:11:07,632 But once in a while 166 00:11:07,634 --> 00:11:11,269 you'll come up with something and it'll whet your appetite. 167 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:22,180 In the early '60s 168 00:11:22,182 --> 00:11:24,249 I was with some buddies at a junk sale 169 00:11:24,251 --> 00:11:25,750 lookin' for some choice sides 170 00:11:25,752 --> 00:11:28,319 when I met this shy retiring cat from Philadelphia 171 00:11:28,321 --> 00:11:30,689 named Bob crumb. You know the guy-- 172 00:11:30,691 --> 00:11:33,525 "fritz the cat," "Mr. natural" and all. 173 00:11:33,527 --> 00:11:36,494 They made a movie about him too. 174 00:11:37,730 --> 00:11:41,800 Oh, Jay mcshann, man. 175 00:11:44,870 --> 00:11:47,038 Aw, c'mon, harv, you gonna buy that or what? 176 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:50,308 Eh, I don't know, Marty. It's got a lamination crack in it, you know. 177 00:11:50,310 --> 00:11:51,943 A quarter. 178 00:11:51,945 --> 00:11:55,413 Yeah, maybe I can talk it down. 179 00:11:55,415 --> 00:11:57,982 You are one cheap bastard, Harvey. 180 00:11:57,984 --> 00:11:59,417 Yeah, I know I'm tight, man. 181 00:11:59,419 --> 00:12:01,986 But I live on a government wage. 182 00:12:01,988 --> 00:12:04,856 You collect Jay mcshann, man? 183 00:12:04,858 --> 00:12:07,525 Yeah, man, how about you? 184 00:12:07,527 --> 00:12:10,328 Yeah. but most of my records are back in Philly. 185 00:12:10,330 --> 00:12:13,064 Hey, Harvey, meet my buddy Bob crumb. 186 00:12:13,066 --> 00:12:14,499 He just moved to town. 187 00:12:14,501 --> 00:12:16,801 He's an artist with the American greeting card company. 188 00:12:16,803 --> 00:12:19,571 - Oh, that's cool. - You should see his comics, harv. 189 00:12:19,573 --> 00:12:22,607 - They are outta sight. - Yeah? 190 00:12:22,609 --> 00:12:24,776 Hey, I'm into comics myself. 191 00:12:24,778 --> 00:12:26,845 ( Thunder rumbles ) 192 00:12:30,116 --> 00:12:33,151 ( Music playing ) 193 00:12:34,887 --> 00:12:37,555 So crumb showed me this comic book novel 194 00:12:37,557 --> 00:12:40,358 he was working on, "the big yum yum book." 195 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:42,093 I'd never seen anything like it. 196 00:12:42,095 --> 00:12:45,029 This is terrific. I really dig your work, man. 197 00:12:45,031 --> 00:12:47,766 This "peter wheat" book is by Walt Kelly. 198 00:12:47,768 --> 00:12:49,868 It's pretty rare. 199 00:12:49,870 --> 00:12:51,903 Oh yeah? Can I get good bread for it? 200 00:12:51,905 --> 00:12:53,471 Not yet. 201 00:12:53,473 --> 00:12:54,873 Oh. 202 00:12:54,875 --> 00:12:56,508 Listen, man, let's get back to your book. 203 00:12:56,510 --> 00:12:58,143 What are you gonna do with it? 204 00:12:58,145 --> 00:12:59,878 I haven't really thought about it. 205 00:12:59,880 --> 00:13:01,646 It's just an exercise. 206 00:13:01,648 --> 00:13:04,749 No, man, it's more than just an exercise. 207 00:13:05,885 --> 00:13:07,919 It's breaking ground, man. 208 00:13:07,921 --> 00:13:10,522 There's some wild shit in here, Bob. 209 00:13:10,524 --> 00:13:13,625 You're spitting on me, Harvey. 210 00:13:34,847 --> 00:13:37,682 Crumb and I hung out a lot back then. 211 00:13:38,751 --> 00:13:42,520 We had records and comics in common. 212 00:13:45,457 --> 00:13:47,592 Check it out, man. 213 00:13:51,430 --> 00:13:54,065 Pretty scary. 214 00:13:54,067 --> 00:13:55,266 Yeah. 215 00:13:55,268 --> 00:13:57,602 You don't know the half of it, man. 216 00:13:57,604 --> 00:14:00,939 Eventually people got hip to crumb's artwork 217 00:14:00,941 --> 00:14:04,776 and he started hangin' out with a bohemian crowd. 218 00:14:04,778 --> 00:14:07,345 After a while he got sick of greeting cards 219 00:14:07,347 --> 00:14:09,714 and moved away to San Francisco, 220 00:14:09,716 --> 00:14:13,117 where he got the whole underground comic scene off the ground. 221 00:14:13,119 --> 00:14:15,787 ♪ Yeah yeah, my my 222 00:14:15,789 --> 00:14:18,189 ♪ what'd we do? 223 00:14:18,191 --> 00:14:20,358 He'd come back to Cleveland every few years 224 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:23,228 and people would treat him like a celebrity. 225 00:14:26,932 --> 00:14:29,334 ♪ Give me my baby 226 00:14:29,336 --> 00:14:32,470 ♪ for some fine... 227 00:14:34,306 --> 00:14:37,108 Once he came to visit when I was feelin' real bad. 228 00:14:37,110 --> 00:14:40,712 It was right after my wife left me. 229 00:14:40,714 --> 00:14:42,647 She got so mean to me at the end. 230 00:14:42,649 --> 00:14:44,782 And-and-- like I tried to keep her captive 231 00:14:44,784 --> 00:14:47,385 or anything like that, you know? 232 00:14:47,387 --> 00:14:51,522 - I don't know, man. - Hmm. 233 00:14:51,524 --> 00:14:54,025 But don't think I buy into any of this growth crap, man. 234 00:14:54,027 --> 00:14:56,628 Everybody's always talkin' about how bad experiences 235 00:14:56,630 --> 00:15:00,265 'cause you to grow and all that cliched stuff, man. 236 00:15:00,267 --> 00:15:05,603 And I got enough bad experiences and growth to last me plenty. 237 00:15:11,644 --> 00:15:13,544 Right now... 238 00:15:13,546 --> 00:15:18,283 I'd be glad to trade some growth for happiness. 239 00:15:25,057 --> 00:15:27,325 So how long you staying in Cleveland, man? 240 00:15:27,327 --> 00:15:31,796 I don't know. I got to see this chick in New York 241 00:15:31,798 --> 00:15:34,866 and I'm really busy with the comic book stuff. 242 00:15:34,868 --> 00:15:38,603 It's good bread and all, I'm just getting sick of the whole scene. 243 00:15:38,605 --> 00:15:40,138 What are you talking about? 244 00:15:40,140 --> 00:15:42,440 You make a good living doing your art, right? 245 00:15:42,442 --> 00:15:44,275 Shh... 246 00:15:44,277 --> 00:15:46,744 Not many guys get that lucky in their life, huh? 247 00:15:46,746 --> 00:15:48,513 Yeah, I know. 248 00:15:48,515 --> 00:15:50,515 No, man, listen, I'll tell you something, 249 00:15:50,517 --> 00:15:52,784 people are starting to know the name "crumb." 250 00:15:52,786 --> 00:15:55,586 When you croak, man, you're gonna leave something behind. 251 00:15:55,588 --> 00:15:57,956 - Yeah, I guess. - Yeah-hh. 252 00:15:57,958 --> 00:16:00,625 It's not like I'm blind lemon Jefferson 253 00:16:00,627 --> 00:16:02,694 or big mama Thornton or nothing. 254 00:16:02,696 --> 00:16:04,829 Aw, come on, man, I'll tell you something. 255 00:16:04,831 --> 00:16:06,731 It sure beats working a gig like mine-- 256 00:16:06,733 --> 00:16:08,066 being a nobody flunky 257 00:16:08,068 --> 00:16:10,635 and selling records on the side for a buck. 258 00:16:12,871 --> 00:16:14,706 Yeah well, that's true. 259 00:16:14,708 --> 00:16:18,543 ( Music playing ) 260 00:16:26,852 --> 00:16:31,089 P.A.: doctor redman, doctor redman. 261 00:16:38,597 --> 00:16:41,032 ( Clears throat ) 262 00:16:47,673 --> 00:16:50,008 ( Sighs ) 263 00:17:13,565 --> 00:17:17,835 ( Music playing ) 264 00:18:55,134 --> 00:18:56,634 Woman: listen, girlie. 265 00:18:56,636 --> 00:19:00,404 These glasses are six for $2, 266 00:19:00,406 --> 00:19:02,306 because I couldn't carry 12. 267 00:19:02,308 --> 00:19:04,075 But I wanted 12. 268 00:19:04,077 --> 00:19:06,544 So today I'm buying six more. 269 00:19:06,546 --> 00:19:09,914 But you should only charge me $1.50 for them. 270 00:19:11,817 --> 00:19:13,751 It's all right. 271 00:19:13,753 --> 00:19:16,087 You can ask the manager. 272 00:19:16,089 --> 00:19:20,892 Frank, I need a price check. 273 00:19:22,194 --> 00:19:24,428 Man, old Jewish ladies will argue forever 274 00:19:24,430 --> 00:19:26,330 with a cashier about anything. 275 00:19:26,332 --> 00:19:29,634 You get behind them in line and you're gonna wait forever, man. 276 00:19:29,636 --> 00:19:32,537 - ( Crashes ) - ...Because I couldn't carry 12... 277 00:19:32,539 --> 00:19:34,672 I mean, I'm a yid myself 278 00:19:34,674 --> 00:19:37,275 and women in my family are like that, 279 00:19:37,277 --> 00:19:39,477 but I never got used to it. 280 00:19:39,479 --> 00:19:42,513 I mean, I may be cheap, but I got limits, man. 281 00:19:42,515 --> 00:19:45,016 Let me 'splain, one more time. 282 00:19:45,018 --> 00:19:48,819 These glasses are six for $2. 283 00:19:48,821 --> 00:19:51,255 Hey, wake up! 284 00:19:51,257 --> 00:19:54,392 Your whole life's getting eaten away with this kind of crap. 285 00:19:54,394 --> 00:19:56,627 What kind of existence is this? 286 00:19:56,629 --> 00:19:59,030 Is this all a working stiff like you can expect? 287 00:19:59,032 --> 00:20:01,933 You're gonna suffer in silence for the rest of your life 288 00:20:01,935 --> 00:20:04,235 or are you gonna make a Mark, huh? 289 00:20:04,237 --> 00:20:06,904 Huh? 290 00:20:06,906 --> 00:20:10,007 Huh?! 291 00:20:11,944 --> 00:20:15,112 Woman: okay, I have the money right here, even money, 292 00:20:15,114 --> 00:20:18,382 $1.50-- you don't even have to open the cash register. 293 00:20:18,384 --> 00:20:22,019 - Even change and d... - ( Growls ) 294 00:20:22,988 --> 00:20:25,790 ( Slow music playing ) 295 00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:38,336 ( Mumbling ) 296 00:21:00,459 --> 00:21:03,794 ( Upbeat music playing ) 297 00:21:27,653 --> 00:21:29,587 Oh shit. 298 00:21:29,589 --> 00:21:31,989 Harvey: ever since I read your stuff, man, 299 00:21:31,991 --> 00:21:35,493 I've been thinking I could write comic book stories 300 00:21:35,495 --> 00:21:38,696 that are different from anything that's being done. 301 00:21:38,698 --> 00:21:40,931 Mm-hmm. 302 00:21:40,933 --> 00:21:44,735 I figure, you know, the guys who are doing 303 00:21:44,737 --> 00:21:47,805 animal comics and, uh, superhero stuff, 304 00:21:47,807 --> 00:21:49,407 they're really limited. 305 00:21:49,409 --> 00:21:52,143 - Because they gotta try to appeal to kids. - ( Sighs ) 306 00:21:52,145 --> 00:21:55,346 And underground stuff like yours have been really 307 00:21:55,348 --> 00:21:57,682 subversive and it's opened things up politically, 308 00:21:57,684 --> 00:22:00,718 but there's still plenty more to be done with them too, you know? 309 00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:02,486 Pass the ketchup. 310 00:22:02,488 --> 00:22:04,422 I mean... 311 00:22:04,424 --> 00:22:08,259 With words and pictures, it could be more of an art form. 312 00:22:08,261 --> 00:22:12,129 You know, like those-- like those French movies are. 313 00:22:12,131 --> 00:22:16,734 Or, uh, or de sica over in Italy. 314 00:22:20,339 --> 00:22:22,807 So anyway, I just-- i tried, uh... 315 00:22:22,809 --> 00:22:27,578 I tried writing some stuff about real life. 316 00:22:27,580 --> 00:22:31,482 You know, stuff that, uh, the everyman's gotta deal with. 317 00:22:33,418 --> 00:22:36,287 These are all about you? 318 00:22:36,289 --> 00:22:37,822 Yeah. 319 00:22:37,824 --> 00:22:40,591 You've turned yourself into a comic hero. ( Laughs ) 320 00:22:40,593 --> 00:22:43,794 Well sorta, yeah, but you know, there's no idealized shit. 321 00:22:43,796 --> 00:22:46,764 You know, there's no phony bullshit. 322 00:22:46,766 --> 00:22:48,799 This is the real thing, man. 323 00:22:48,801 --> 00:22:53,371 'Cause, you know, ordinary life is pretty complex stuff. 324 00:22:55,774 --> 00:22:57,608 ( Exhales ) 325 00:22:57,610 --> 00:22:59,977 These are, really... 326 00:23:02,714 --> 00:23:04,882 Good. 327 00:23:08,086 --> 00:23:09,820 Really, you think so? 328 00:23:09,822 --> 00:23:12,423 Yeah, this is great stuff, I dig it. 329 00:23:12,425 --> 00:23:16,594 Can I take 'em home and illustrate 'em? 330 00:23:20,699 --> 00:23:22,600 ( Loudly ) oh, wow, man! 331 00:23:22,602 --> 00:23:24,869 ( Coughs ) 332 00:23:24,871 --> 00:23:27,405 You'd really do that for me, man? 333 00:23:27,407 --> 00:23:30,508 ( Coughing ) oh man, that would be great, 334 00:23:30,510 --> 00:23:32,843 because I can't even draw a straight line, Bob. 335 00:23:32,845 --> 00:23:35,045 Hey, what's up with your voice, harv? 336 00:23:35,047 --> 00:23:36,614 All of a sudden you sound fine. 337 00:23:36,616 --> 00:23:40,284 ( Coughs ) i don't know, man. 338 00:23:40,286 --> 00:23:43,587 I guess you cured me, man. 339 00:23:43,589 --> 00:23:47,124 ( Music playing ) 340 00:23:49,361 --> 00:23:52,396 - ♪ Ah ah ah - ♪ ah ah ah 341 00:23:52,398 --> 00:23:55,366 - ♪ hey hey - ♪ hey hey 342 00:23:55,368 --> 00:23:58,235 - ♪ ah ah ah - ♪ ah ah ah 343 00:23:58,237 --> 00:24:01,172 - ♪ hey hey - ♪ hey hey 344 00:24:01,174 --> 00:24:04,241 - ♪ ah ah ah - ♪ ah ah ah 345 00:24:04,243 --> 00:24:07,344 - ♪ ah ah ah - ♪ ah ah ah 346 00:24:07,346 --> 00:24:09,814 ♪ oooh, I cried so much 347 00:24:09,816 --> 00:24:13,584 ♪ just like a child that's lost his toy ♪ 348 00:24:13,586 --> 00:24:19,657 ♪ maybe, baby, you think these tears I cry are tears of joy ♪ 349 00:24:19,659 --> 00:24:24,562 ♪ a child can cry so much, I'm telling you, do everything they say ♪ 350 00:24:24,564 --> 00:24:28,732 ♪ but unlike a child my tears don't help me ♪ 351 00:24:28,734 --> 00:24:31,135 ♪ to get my way 352 00:24:31,137 --> 00:24:33,838 ♪ I know love can last for years ♪ 353 00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:37,074 ♪ but how can love last through tears? ♪ 354 00:24:37,076 --> 00:24:39,143 ♪ Tears, tears, tears 355 00:24:39,145 --> 00:24:41,078 - ♪ tears - ♪ ain't that peculiar, baby? 356 00:24:41,080 --> 00:24:45,749 - ♪ Ain't that peculiar, baby? ♪ - ♪ peculiarity 357 00:24:45,751 --> 00:24:50,421 ♪ ain't it peculiar, honey? Peculiar as can be ♪ 358 00:24:50,423 --> 00:24:53,757 ♪ said I don't understand it, baby ♪ 359 00:24:53,759 --> 00:24:56,894 ♪ it's so strange sometimes 360 00:24:56,896 --> 00:24:59,897 ♪ ain't it peculiar, darling? ♪ 361 00:24:59,899 --> 00:25:03,701 Man: I tell you, man, that Bonnie, legs that go forever. 362 00:25:03,703 --> 00:25:06,437 Man #2: So how smart is she? 363 00:25:06,439 --> 00:25:09,640 I don't know, I guess she's about average. 364 00:25:09,642 --> 00:25:11,141 Average? 365 00:25:11,143 --> 00:25:14,044 Hey, man, average is dumb. 366 00:25:15,847 --> 00:25:20,050 - She's dumb. - I don't care-- she's not my chick. 367 00:25:21,553 --> 00:25:24,722 "Hey, man, average is dumb." 368 00:25:24,724 --> 00:25:27,424 How 'bout that, man. That's all stories by yours truly. 369 00:25:27,426 --> 00:25:29,760 - Hot off the presses. - That's right, man. 370 00:25:29,762 --> 00:25:32,196 - We have a regular Hemingway here. - No way, man. 371 00:25:32,198 --> 00:25:34,198 I don't go in for any of that macho crap. 372 00:25:34,200 --> 00:25:35,733 I didn't know you could draw, pekar. 373 00:25:35,735 --> 00:25:37,902 No no no no, i don't draw it, doc. 374 00:25:37,904 --> 00:25:40,671 - I just-- I write the stories. - Harvey, am I in here? 375 00:25:40,673 --> 00:25:42,640 Yeah, Toby, you're in there, all right? 376 00:25:42,642 --> 00:25:44,909 Take it easy, for Christ sake. 377 00:25:44,911 --> 00:25:47,978 A buddy of mine, some of his friends, they do the artwork. 378 00:25:47,980 --> 00:25:49,813 Let me see this. 379 00:25:49,815 --> 00:25:52,416 Mr. boats, it's not polite to grab things. 380 00:25:52,418 --> 00:25:56,053 - Next time-- - uh uh uh. 381 00:25:57,856 --> 00:26:01,125 Mm-hmm. this is not bad. 382 00:26:02,727 --> 00:26:05,429 Son, you done good. Hmm. 383 00:26:05,431 --> 00:26:09,266 But you know, i was up in Toronto a few weeks back 384 00:26:09,268 --> 00:26:12,536 and I saw the red Chinese ballet. Now that was beautiful, 385 00:26:12,538 --> 00:26:14,738 the way those people were dancing together. 386 00:26:14,740 --> 00:26:17,107 Those Chinese, they work hard. 387 00:26:17,109 --> 00:26:20,010 - I tell you they work hard. - Mm-hmm. 388 00:26:20,012 --> 00:26:22,947 Where's everybody going? 389 00:26:30,121 --> 00:26:32,957 Where are you sickly men rushing off to? 390 00:26:34,993 --> 00:26:37,528 You ain't going nowhere for now. 391 00:26:37,530 --> 00:26:40,331 Maybe not for a long time. 392 00:26:40,333 --> 00:26:44,902 But damn, if they're not a rushing off to get there. 393 00:26:44,904 --> 00:26:47,571 ♪ Ain't it peculiar, honey? 394 00:26:47,573 --> 00:26:50,741 - ♪ Ain't that peculiar? - ♪ peculiar as can be 395 00:26:50,743 --> 00:26:54,845 ♪ said I don't understand it, baby ♪ 396 00:26:54,847 --> 00:26:59,116 ♪ it's so strange sometimes, ain't it peculiar, darling? ♪ 397 00:26:59,118 --> 00:27:01,685 Woman: so, Harvey, how do your co-workers 398 00:27:01,687 --> 00:27:04,655 and friends feel about you putting them in your comics? 399 00:27:04,657 --> 00:27:07,992 They love it. They can't get enough of it. 400 00:27:09,494 --> 00:27:11,595 They'd come up to me demanding to know 401 00:27:11,597 --> 00:27:13,664 why I'm not in the new issue. 402 00:27:13,666 --> 00:27:15,232 Most of 'em. 403 00:27:15,234 --> 00:27:17,368 What about overhearing what people say? 404 00:27:17,370 --> 00:27:19,069 Are you always listening at work? 405 00:27:19,071 --> 00:27:21,305 Were you listening on-- riding the bus? 406 00:27:21,307 --> 00:27:23,974 - Yeah, I listen. - At the supermarket? 407 00:27:23,976 --> 00:27:26,210 Yeah, I listen. 408 00:27:26,212 --> 00:27:30,347 I fall asleep on people too, but I listen some. 409 00:27:44,362 --> 00:27:47,765 Here's our man eight comics later. 410 00:27:49,234 --> 00:27:51,402 A brand-new decade, same old bullshit. 411 00:27:55,874 --> 00:27:59,977 Yeah sure, he gets lots of recognition for his writing now. 412 00:27:59,979 --> 00:28:03,947 Sure, his comics are praised by all the important media types 413 00:28:03,949 --> 00:28:06,717 telling people what to think. But so what? 414 00:28:06,719 --> 00:28:11,088 It's not like he makes a living at it, like Bob crumb. 415 00:28:11,090 --> 00:28:15,159 He can't go and quit his day job or nothing. 416 00:28:19,998 --> 00:28:22,132 Who am I kidding? 417 00:28:22,134 --> 00:28:25,502 Truth is I'd be lost without my work routine. 418 00:28:25,504 --> 00:28:27,971 - ( Bangs ) - ( gasps ) 419 00:28:35,747 --> 00:28:38,248 Ahh. 420 00:28:38,250 --> 00:28:40,784 I got a job. 421 00:28:40,786 --> 00:28:42,586 Oh shit. 422 00:28:42,588 --> 00:28:45,522 I got a job. 423 00:28:48,326 --> 00:28:50,427 I got a job. 424 00:28:52,530 --> 00:28:54,298 Hi, Harvey. 425 00:28:54,300 --> 00:28:56,333 Do you want these gourmet jelly beans? 426 00:28:56,335 --> 00:28:58,368 I gave up sweets for lent. 427 00:28:58,370 --> 00:29:00,838 Yeah sure, I'll take 'em, man. 428 00:29:00,840 --> 00:29:03,207 I recommend the pina coladas. 429 00:29:03,209 --> 00:29:08,278 They're excellent and very authentic tasting. 430 00:29:09,914 --> 00:29:13,117 It's watermelon, that's pretty good, tobe. 431 00:29:13,119 --> 00:29:17,221 Wait till you try the pina coladas. 432 00:29:24,963 --> 00:29:27,264 Hey, tobe, tell me something. 433 00:29:28,900 --> 00:29:32,569 Can you eat, uh, lentils during lent? 434 00:29:32,571 --> 00:29:34,671 Sure, I don't see why not. 435 00:29:34,673 --> 00:29:37,107 You can't eat meat on certain days, 436 00:29:37,109 --> 00:29:40,644 but lentils should be acceptable anytime. 437 00:29:40,646 --> 00:29:42,212 Oh yeah? 438 00:29:42,214 --> 00:29:46,350 You think there's any connection between lentils and lent? 439 00:29:46,352 --> 00:29:48,085 I don't think so. 440 00:29:48,087 --> 00:29:51,655 But I'll ask sister Mary Fred at church on Sunday. 441 00:29:51,657 --> 00:29:54,158 Sister Mary Fred, huh? 442 00:29:55,527 --> 00:29:57,060 Is she cute? 443 00:29:57,062 --> 00:29:59,963 Sounds kinda mannish, but who the hell am I to be picky? 444 00:29:59,965 --> 00:30:02,132 Harvey, you're funny. 445 00:30:02,134 --> 00:30:04,468 She's a nun. 446 00:30:04,470 --> 00:30:05,869 So what, man? 447 00:30:05,871 --> 00:30:09,273 And maybe she became a nun because she couldn't get a guy. 448 00:30:09,275 --> 00:30:10,974 Harvey, she became a nun 449 00:30:10,976 --> 00:30:14,645 because she had a higher calling. 450 00:30:14,647 --> 00:30:16,580 Higher calling, what a crock of shit. 451 00:30:16,582 --> 00:30:19,183 Man, you know, i don't even know why 452 00:30:19,185 --> 00:30:21,018 you bother praying, anyway. 453 00:30:21,020 --> 00:30:22,619 I enjoy the ritual. 454 00:30:22,621 --> 00:30:24,454 And I'm a very spiritual person. 455 00:30:24,456 --> 00:30:27,257 You know, you should try believing in something 456 00:30:27,259 --> 00:30:28,959 bigger than yourself. 457 00:30:28,961 --> 00:30:32,396 It might cheer you up. 458 00:30:35,500 --> 00:30:38,435 What, do I seem depressed, Toby? 459 00:30:57,488 --> 00:30:59,556 - Man: cut! - ( Bell ringing ) 460 00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:02,459 That was great, guys, the bakery scene's next. 461 00:31:02,461 --> 00:31:05,929 The bakery scene's next? I never heard of no bakery scene. 462 00:31:05,931 --> 00:31:08,031 Did you ever hear of a bakery scene? 463 00:31:08,033 --> 00:31:11,201 - The bakery scene is next? - Bakery's my scene, 464 00:31:11,203 --> 00:31:13,537 but not-- not in that way. 465 00:31:13,539 --> 00:31:16,006 Forget the bakery, let's eat some jelly beans. 466 00:31:16,008 --> 00:31:18,642 Yeah, I think one might be lime, 467 00:31:18,644 --> 00:31:21,311 one might be, like mint. 468 00:31:21,313 --> 00:31:24,882 Well, what's the difference between this and this? 469 00:31:24,884 --> 00:31:26,817 One's cherry, one's cinnamon. 470 00:31:26,819 --> 00:31:28,886 You could tell that by just looking at 'em? 471 00:31:28,888 --> 00:31:32,489 Not me, i have to put it in my mouth first. 472 00:31:37,428 --> 00:31:39,763 Real Toby: Loneliness can feel so bad. 473 00:31:39,765 --> 00:31:42,266 There had been times I felt lonely, 474 00:31:42,268 --> 00:31:45,102 'cause a lot of time it was just me and my grandmother. 475 00:31:45,104 --> 00:31:47,905 And I would just be sitting in my room all day 476 00:31:47,907 --> 00:31:50,941 watching television or reading books. 477 00:31:50,943 --> 00:31:53,543 That was before I bought a computer, of course. 478 00:31:53,545 --> 00:31:57,214 So how, how do you cope with loneliness, Harvey? 479 00:31:57,216 --> 00:31:59,783 Um, did I say i watched television? 480 00:31:59,785 --> 00:32:02,019 Yeah, you mentioned you watch TV, 481 00:32:02,021 --> 00:32:03,887 you listen to your jazz records, 482 00:32:03,889 --> 00:32:06,256 you read, you write. 483 00:32:06,258 --> 00:32:08,325 You do your stick figures 484 00:32:08,327 --> 00:32:12,596 so you could plan for your next comic book. 485 00:32:12,598 --> 00:32:17,067 - Yeah, that's about it. - 'Cause I've seen many of your stick figures 486 00:32:17,069 --> 00:32:19,937 and that seems to be pretty interesting. 487 00:32:19,939 --> 00:32:22,739 Hmm, chocolate jelly beans, I'm gonna have to try one. 488 00:32:22,741 --> 00:32:24,474 Go ahead. 489 00:32:44,262 --> 00:32:46,063 ( Bell jingles ) 490 00:32:46,065 --> 00:32:50,734 - ( Harvey moans ) - woman: Excuse me, can I help you? 491 00:32:50,736 --> 00:32:52,469 Yeah, um... 492 00:32:52,471 --> 00:32:55,939 Can you give me, 493 00:32:55,941 --> 00:32:57,708 uh, two crullers, 494 00:32:57,710 --> 00:33:00,911 - a jelly donut with the powdered sugar. - Thank you. 495 00:33:00,913 --> 00:33:02,679 Thanks for coming. 496 00:33:02,681 --> 00:33:05,082 Hey, you got any of that day-old bread? 497 00:33:05,084 --> 00:33:07,351 - I think so. - Yeah? 498 00:33:09,821 --> 00:33:14,257 Here you go. 499 00:33:14,259 --> 00:33:16,093 $3.00. 500 00:33:16,095 --> 00:33:19,863 Um, you're Harvey pekar. 501 00:33:19,865 --> 00:33:21,064 Yeah. 502 00:33:21,066 --> 00:33:23,667 Alice Quinn, from school. 503 00:33:24,836 --> 00:33:27,437 Oh yeah yeah. 504 00:33:27,439 --> 00:33:29,973 College, yeah yeah. 505 00:33:29,975 --> 00:33:32,109 Yeah, we had a couple of lit classes together. 506 00:33:32,111 --> 00:33:33,510 Yeah, what happened to you? 507 00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:35,946 I mean, you just disappeared after two semesters. 508 00:33:35,948 --> 00:33:39,349 Yeah, I know, man, uh... 509 00:33:39,351 --> 00:33:42,686 You know, I got good grades and all, but there was that 510 00:33:42,688 --> 00:33:45,789 required math class, you know, hanging over my head. 511 00:33:45,791 --> 00:33:48,558 Eventually the pressure got to be too much, so... 512 00:33:48,560 --> 00:33:52,429 Oh. uh, you're doing okay anyway, I mean, 513 00:33:52,431 --> 00:33:55,065 I heard all about your jazz reviews and your comics. 514 00:33:55,067 --> 00:33:57,200 You did? 515 00:33:57,202 --> 00:33:59,302 Sure. you're famous. 516 00:33:59,304 --> 00:34:02,706 - Ah. - meanwhile I got my degree and I'm-- 517 00:34:02,708 --> 00:34:04,875 I'm just a plain old wife and mother. 518 00:34:04,877 --> 00:34:07,711 Oh. 519 00:34:09,680 --> 00:34:12,115 Yeah well, uh... 520 00:34:12,117 --> 00:34:15,285 I'm not doing as great as you think, uh... 521 00:34:15,287 --> 00:34:21,058 My second wife divorced me, i work a dead-end job as a... 522 00:34:21,060 --> 00:34:23,560 File clerk, so... 523 00:34:23,562 --> 00:34:26,229 You know, sometimes I hang out with the guys on the corner, 524 00:34:26,231 --> 00:34:29,733 but most of the time I just stay at home by myself and I read. 525 00:34:29,735 --> 00:34:32,602 Well, you're luckier than you think. 526 00:34:32,604 --> 00:34:35,138 Between my husband and my kids, 527 00:34:35,140 --> 00:34:38,842 it's impossible for me to curl up with a good book. 528 00:34:44,248 --> 00:34:47,217 You know, I'm reading this book by dreiser now, 529 00:34:47,219 --> 00:34:50,620 - uh, "jennie gerhardt." - That's one of my favorites. 530 00:34:50,622 --> 00:34:52,456 Yeah? 531 00:34:52,458 --> 00:34:55,425 You know, i hope that book don't end like, uh, 532 00:34:55,427 --> 00:34:58,395 so many of those naturalist novels with someone, 533 00:34:58,397 --> 00:35:00,764 you know, getting crushed to earth 534 00:35:00,766 --> 00:35:02,399 by forces he can't control. 535 00:35:02,401 --> 00:35:05,001 - Hmm, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. - Yeah? 536 00:35:05,003 --> 00:35:07,704 I mean, it's certainly not your Hollywood happy ending, 537 00:35:07,706 --> 00:35:11,408 but it's pretty truthful, which is rare these days. 538 00:35:11,410 --> 00:35:13,443 Yeah, you're right. 539 00:35:13,445 --> 00:35:15,979 - Mmm, this is me. - Oh, all right. 540 00:35:21,519 --> 00:35:23,587 Nice car, yeah. 541 00:35:23,589 --> 00:35:25,489 - Thanks. - I don't have one yet. 542 00:35:25,491 --> 00:35:27,090 Oh, can I give you a lift somewhere? 543 00:35:27,092 --> 00:35:29,726 Uh, nah, that's all right. 544 00:35:29,728 --> 00:35:31,995 It's a nice day, I'll just-- I'll walk. 545 00:35:44,075 --> 00:35:46,276 It was nice seeing you, Harvey. 546 00:35:46,278 --> 00:35:48,011 Yeah. 547 00:36:09,033 --> 00:36:10,934 ( Harvey narrating ) when I got home 548 00:36:10,936 --> 00:36:13,403 I finished reading "jennie gerhardt." 549 00:36:13,405 --> 00:36:18,074 It was real good. That Alice was right. 550 00:36:19,677 --> 00:36:22,245 Sure, Lester, the main character, 551 00:36:22,247 --> 00:36:23,813 croaks in the end, 552 00:36:23,815 --> 00:36:28,185 but at least he's old and dies a natural, dignified death. 553 00:36:31,522 --> 00:36:34,257 I was more alone that weekend than any. 554 00:36:34,259 --> 00:36:37,594 Sometimes in my sleep I'd feel a body next to me, 555 00:36:37,596 --> 00:36:41,064 like an amputee feels a phantom limb. 556 00:36:43,267 --> 00:36:46,336 All I did was think about jennie gerhardt 557 00:36:46,338 --> 00:36:47,804 and Alice Quinn 558 00:36:47,806 --> 00:36:50,173 and all the decades of people I have known. 559 00:36:50,175 --> 00:36:54,010 The more I thought, the more I felt like crying. 560 00:36:54,012 --> 00:36:57,180 Life seemed so sweet, 561 00:36:57,182 --> 00:36:58,682 and so sad 562 00:36:58,684 --> 00:37:01,418 and so hard to let go of in the end. 563 00:37:01,420 --> 00:37:06,356 But hey, man, every day's a brand-new deal, right? 564 00:37:06,358 --> 00:37:10,360 Just keep on working and something's bound to turn up. 565 00:37:12,463 --> 00:37:14,864 ( Music playing ) 566 00:37:16,267 --> 00:37:18,668 ♪ Know your rights 567 00:37:20,638 --> 00:37:24,307 ♪ number one, you have the right ♪ 568 00:37:24,309 --> 00:37:26,776 ♪ not to kill 569 00:37:29,180 --> 00:37:32,048 ♪ murder is a crime... 570 00:37:34,118 --> 00:37:36,586 What happened to the new "American splendor"? 571 00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:39,489 Uh, I think we sold them, babe. 572 00:37:39,491 --> 00:37:41,825 - All of them? - Yup. 573 00:37:41,827 --> 00:37:43,693 Rand. 574 00:37:43,695 --> 00:37:46,963 I put one aside for myself next to the register. 575 00:37:46,965 --> 00:37:49,432 I haven't even had time to read it yet. 576 00:37:49,434 --> 00:37:52,969 Oh, sorry, Joyce. I didn't know you were such a "splendor" fan. 577 00:37:52,971 --> 00:37:55,305 Next time take it home. 578 00:38:02,380 --> 00:38:05,115 You know what, maybe I'll call the publisher. 579 00:38:05,117 --> 00:38:07,984 That'll take so damn long, shit! 580 00:38:07,986 --> 00:38:11,821 Why does everything in my life have to be such a complicated disaster?! 581 00:38:11,823 --> 00:38:15,892 Okay well, maybe we can call someone-- 582 00:38:15,894 --> 00:38:19,796 - what is this? - All right, okay. 583 00:38:19,798 --> 00:38:23,733 I'm gonna hustle before the vibe in here gets any worse. 584 00:38:23,735 --> 00:38:27,404 You can just hang. 585 00:38:37,982 --> 00:38:40,183 Joyce: "dear Mr. pekar, 586 00:38:44,588 --> 00:38:47,657 greetings from the second smallest state in the union... 587 00:38:51,896 --> 00:38:54,964 An endless plastics and nylon plantation 588 00:38:54,966 --> 00:38:58,168 controlled by giant chemical corporations. 589 00:38:59,870 --> 00:39:01,438 To make matters more dismal, 590 00:39:01,440 --> 00:39:04,774 there are no decent comic book stores in my town, 591 00:39:04,776 --> 00:39:08,411 which is why my partner and I opened one ourselves. 592 00:39:10,181 --> 00:39:12,716 Despite our steadily faltering business, 593 00:39:12,718 --> 00:39:15,285 my partner managed to sell the last copy 594 00:39:15,287 --> 00:39:17,320 of "American splendor" number eight 595 00:39:17,322 --> 00:39:19,389 out from under me. 596 00:39:19,391 --> 00:39:22,959 I'm a big fan and I hate to wait for a new order. 597 00:39:22,961 --> 00:39:26,096 Is there any way I can get it from you direct? 598 00:39:26,098 --> 00:39:27,997 Sincerely, Joyce brabner." 599 00:39:27,999 --> 00:39:30,800 Man, she's got good-looking handwriting. 600 00:39:30,802 --> 00:39:33,837 ( Meows ) 601 00:39:33,839 --> 00:39:36,806 Harvey: "dear Joyce, thanks for the let--" 602 00:39:36,808 --> 00:39:39,075 ( rips ) 603 00:39:46,684 --> 00:39:49,686 "Dear Joyce, thanks for the letter. 604 00:39:49,688 --> 00:39:51,888 What do you do besides selling comics?" 605 00:39:51,890 --> 00:39:53,656 Uh, anybody in the room ever done 606 00:39:53,658 --> 00:39:55,859 any creative writing of any sort? 607 00:39:55,861 --> 00:39:58,895 - ( Gate buzzes ) - Joyce: "I'm a sometime activist, 608 00:39:58,897 --> 00:40:01,197 and I teach writing to prisoners. 609 00:40:01,199 --> 00:40:03,400 I try to help them build an interior life 610 00:40:03,402 --> 00:40:05,668 and make art out of their monotonous, 611 00:40:05,670 --> 00:40:08,071 suffocating routine." 612 00:40:08,073 --> 00:40:11,341 Harvey: "that sounds familiar. So you married or what?" 613 00:40:11,343 --> 00:40:14,744 "I'm divorced, thank god." 614 00:40:14,746 --> 00:40:19,783 Look, I think you and I got a lot in common, you know? 615 00:40:19,785 --> 00:40:23,286 How am I gonna get you to come visit me in Cleveland? 616 00:40:23,288 --> 00:40:24,988 - Cleveland? - yeah. 617 00:40:24,990 --> 00:40:26,656 You think that's a good idea? 618 00:40:26,658 --> 00:40:29,058 Yeah, it's a great idea. 619 00:40:29,060 --> 00:40:32,228 You know, you should meet me because I'm a great guy. 620 00:40:32,230 --> 00:40:34,898 You know, despite the way my comics read, 621 00:40:34,900 --> 00:40:37,534 I've got a lot of redeeming characteristics. 622 00:40:38,769 --> 00:40:41,404 I don't know, where would I stay? 623 00:40:41,406 --> 00:40:43,540 I don't know, uh, with me. 624 00:40:43,542 --> 00:40:46,910 You know, don't worry, I'm not gonna put no moves on ya or anything. 625 00:40:46,912 --> 00:40:51,014 I'm not worried about that. Hold on, I just spilled my chamomile tea all over me. 626 00:40:51,016 --> 00:40:52,782 Yeah. 627 00:40:52,784 --> 00:40:55,552 So what are you worried about then? 628 00:40:58,656 --> 00:41:00,323 Well, it's the way... 629 00:41:00,325 --> 00:41:03,293 - It's the way all of the different artists draw you. - What? 630 00:41:03,295 --> 00:41:05,595 I don't really know what to expect. 631 00:41:05,597 --> 00:41:08,064 Sometimes you look like a younger Brando. 632 00:41:08,066 --> 00:41:10,433 Uh, but then the way crumb draws you, 633 00:41:10,435 --> 00:41:13,736 you look like a hairy ape with all these... 634 00:41:13,738 --> 00:41:17,707 Wavy stinky lines undulating off your body. 635 00:41:17,709 --> 00:41:19,843 I-i don't really know what to expect. 636 00:41:19,845 --> 00:41:22,712 No, those are motion lines. 637 00:41:22,714 --> 00:41:25,582 The, uh... I'm an active guy. 638 00:41:25,584 --> 00:41:28,451 Anyway, look, just come out here 639 00:41:28,453 --> 00:41:32,555 and I will try to be anyone that you want me to be, okay? 640 00:41:32,557 --> 00:41:38,027 That's a dangerous offer. I'm a notorious reformer. 641 00:41:44,502 --> 00:41:46,836 ( P.A. announcements ) 642 00:41:53,177 --> 00:41:55,245 ( Sighs ) 643 00:42:00,251 --> 00:42:02,552 ( Belches, flies buzz ) 644 00:42:03,888 --> 00:42:05,922 ( Whistles ) 645 00:42:10,728 --> 00:42:13,296 ( Clears throat ) 646 00:42:24,808 --> 00:42:26,910 Hey, are you Joyce? 647 00:42:26,912 --> 00:42:29,012 - Hey, Harvey. - Hey. 648 00:42:29,014 --> 00:42:32,115 - So we finally meet in person. - Heya. 649 00:42:32,117 --> 00:42:34,584 ( Clears throat ) 650 00:42:34,586 --> 00:42:36,819 Look, before we get started with any of this, 651 00:42:36,821 --> 00:42:40,623 you might as well know right off the bat, i had a vasectomy. 652 00:42:47,798 --> 00:42:50,633 ( Chattering and laughing ) 653 00:43:01,679 --> 00:43:03,713 What's wrong? 654 00:43:03,715 --> 00:43:05,381 Nothing. 655 00:43:05,383 --> 00:43:08,384 Something's wrong, you keep looking around everywhere. 656 00:43:08,386 --> 00:43:11,220 I guess I never 657 00:43:11,222 --> 00:43:13,823 imagined you'd eat in a place like this. 658 00:43:13,825 --> 00:43:17,327 What, me? No, I've never been here. 659 00:43:19,229 --> 00:43:21,965 I don't know, I thought-- i thought you'd like it. 660 00:43:22,866 --> 00:43:24,467 But obviously you don't, do you? 661 00:43:24,469 --> 00:43:26,636 No, it's fine. What difference does it make? 662 00:43:26,638 --> 00:43:28,638 ( Sighs ) 663 00:43:30,474 --> 00:43:32,942 I don't know, none, I guess. 664 00:43:37,181 --> 00:43:39,482 Man, they got a lotta meat on this menu. 665 00:43:39,484 --> 00:43:42,151 You're a vegetarian? 666 00:43:42,153 --> 00:43:44,954 Kinda, you know, i mean... 667 00:43:44,956 --> 00:43:48,324 Ever since I got a pet cat, you know, 668 00:43:48,326 --> 00:43:50,393 I've had a lot of trouble eating animals. 669 00:43:50,395 --> 00:43:52,495 Hmm. 670 00:43:55,432 --> 00:43:58,668 I support and identify with groups like peta, 671 00:43:58,670 --> 00:44:02,005 but unfortunately I'm a self-diagnosed anemic. 672 00:44:02,007 --> 00:44:04,307 Uh-huh. 673 00:44:04,309 --> 00:44:08,411 Also I have all these food allergies to vegetables 674 00:44:08,413 --> 00:44:11,948 which give me serious intestinal distress. 675 00:44:13,350 --> 00:44:16,285 I guess I have a lot of borderline health disorders 676 00:44:16,287 --> 00:44:19,856 that limit me politically when it comes to eating. 677 00:44:22,226 --> 00:44:24,894 Wow, you're a-- you're a sick woman. 678 00:44:24,896 --> 00:44:26,629 Not yet, but I expect to be. 679 00:44:26,631 --> 00:44:30,700 Everyone in my family has some sort of degenerative illness. 680 00:44:32,536 --> 00:44:34,404 Good evening. 681 00:44:39,009 --> 00:44:41,344 ( Meows ) 682 00:44:48,085 --> 00:44:49,986 Look, you know, i was gonna clean up, 683 00:44:49,988 --> 00:44:52,255 but why should I give you any false notions? 684 00:44:53,757 --> 00:44:57,593 You know, the truth is i got a serious problem with cleanliness. 685 00:44:57,595 --> 00:45:01,664 You know, I could wash a dish 10 times, it'd still be dirty. 686 00:45:02,666 --> 00:45:04,834 They even, uh, kicked me outta the army 687 00:45:04,836 --> 00:45:07,437 'cause I couldn't learn to make a bed. 688 00:45:07,439 --> 00:45:10,039 I've seen worse. 689 00:45:13,310 --> 00:45:17,480 Harvey, would you get me some water and a few aspirin? 690 00:45:17,482 --> 00:45:19,849 What, do you got a headache? 691 00:45:19,851 --> 00:45:22,685 - No, but I want to avoid one. - Oh yeah. 692 00:45:38,736 --> 00:45:41,904 Let me tell you something, Joyce, 693 00:45:41,906 --> 00:45:46,109 it sure is nice to have company. 694 00:45:46,111 --> 00:45:48,978 You know, I mean, 695 00:45:48,980 --> 00:45:53,249 despite all your problems, you seem like a great person. 696 00:45:53,251 --> 00:45:56,886 And, hey, you know, I'm sorry if my dating skills are a little rusty. 697 00:45:56,888 --> 00:45:59,021 You know, it's just, 698 00:45:59,023 --> 00:46:02,024 I've been through hell and back with women. 699 00:46:02,026 --> 00:46:06,462 That last one turned out to be a real nasty bitch. 700 00:46:06,464 --> 00:46:09,098 I had a nice time with you too. 701 00:46:09,100 --> 00:46:12,401 Yeah? you had a nice time? 702 00:46:12,403 --> 00:46:16,139 Don't make people repeat themselves, that's annoying. 703 00:46:16,141 --> 00:46:19,442 Oh, sorry. 704 00:46:23,847 --> 00:46:25,882 Come here. 705 00:46:49,540 --> 00:46:52,341 - ( Moaning ) - no. 706 00:46:52,343 --> 00:46:55,244 Oh oh. 707 00:46:55,246 --> 00:46:57,547 Harvey, which way is the bathroom? 708 00:46:57,549 --> 00:47:00,349 Oh, through the kitchen and a right. 709 00:47:00,351 --> 00:47:02,618 ( Groans ) 710 00:47:03,520 --> 00:47:08,124 ( Vomiting and coughing ) 711 00:47:08,126 --> 00:47:12,695 - ( Toilet flushes ) - Joyce, hey. 712 00:47:12,697 --> 00:47:14,597 Joyce, what's wrong? What is it? 713 00:47:14,599 --> 00:47:17,099 Uhh, I don't know. 714 00:47:17,101 --> 00:47:19,502 I think that yuppie food did me in. 715 00:47:22,272 --> 00:47:24,407 I feel terrible, man. 716 00:47:24,409 --> 00:47:27,710 - ( Groans ) - let me at least do something for you. 717 00:47:27,712 --> 00:47:30,746 Uh, can-- can i make you something? 718 00:47:30,748 --> 00:47:33,883 Hey, how about some chamomile tea? 719 00:47:33,885 --> 00:47:35,785 - Chamomile tea? - Yeah. 720 00:47:35,787 --> 00:47:37,687 What's a guy like you doing with that? 721 00:47:37,689 --> 00:47:39,889 I thought you drank soda pop for breakfast. 722 00:47:39,891 --> 00:47:42,692 I don't know, you know. I just noticed you drank a lot of it 723 00:47:42,694 --> 00:47:44,527 when we started talking on the phone. 724 00:47:44,529 --> 00:47:48,898 Uh, you know, the girl at the food co-op... 725 00:47:48,900 --> 00:47:52,468 She picked me out all kinds of this herbal stuff. 726 00:47:55,873 --> 00:47:58,674 Man, one of these is good for stomachaches. 727 00:47:58,676 --> 00:48:02,511 Got grandma bear's tummy mint or something, I think. 728 00:48:06,216 --> 00:48:08,484 - Hey, are you still there? - ( Knocks ) 729 00:48:14,291 --> 00:48:15,291 Hey. 730 00:48:15,293 --> 00:48:18,160 Harvey... 731 00:48:18,162 --> 00:48:20,897 I think we should skip the whole courtship thing 732 00:48:20,899 --> 00:48:22,899 and just get married. 733 00:48:32,876 --> 00:48:35,711 Man, am I glad I talked you into coming up here. 734 00:48:35,713 --> 00:48:38,080 You know, any more time alone, 735 00:48:38,082 --> 00:48:40,683 I really-- I really might've lost it. 736 00:48:40,685 --> 00:48:43,219 Mmm, me too. 737 00:48:46,690 --> 00:48:49,558 You don't have any problems with moving to Cleveland? 738 00:48:49,560 --> 00:48:51,527 Not really. 739 00:48:51,529 --> 00:48:55,231 I find most American cities to be depressing in the same way. 740 00:49:00,837 --> 00:49:04,373 And you're okay with the vasectomy thing? 741 00:49:05,676 --> 00:49:08,044 ( Music playing ) 742 00:49:09,112 --> 00:49:12,014 ( Music continues on car radio ) 743 00:49:17,721 --> 00:49:21,490 ♪ I was tired of my lady ♪ 744 00:49:21,492 --> 00:49:24,126 ♪ we'd been together too long ♪ 745 00:49:24,128 --> 00:49:26,629 - ♪ like a worn-out recording... ♪ - hey, Toby. 746 00:49:26,631 --> 00:49:29,665 No, you can't have any of my white castle hamburgers, 747 00:49:29,667 --> 00:49:31,767 so please don't even ask. 748 00:49:31,769 --> 00:49:34,370 Yeah, can i have a fry? 749 00:49:34,372 --> 00:49:36,572 Okay, but just a couple, Harvey. 750 00:49:36,574 --> 00:49:39,642 I'm not going to be eating dinner until very late 751 00:49:39,644 --> 00:49:41,410 and this has got to hold me over. 752 00:49:41,412 --> 00:49:43,579 Yeah, what do ya got, a church function? 753 00:49:43,581 --> 00:49:46,882 No, I'm driving to Toledo to see a movie. 754 00:49:46,884 --> 00:49:48,851 Would you like to come? 755 00:49:48,853 --> 00:49:50,786 Uh, nah, I gotta-- 756 00:49:50,788 --> 00:49:53,155 I gotta go to Delaware tonight, I'm getting married. 757 00:49:53,157 --> 00:49:54,724 - Oh. - yeah. 758 00:49:54,726 --> 00:49:57,393 - Why Delaware? - Well, you know, the chick I'm marrying 759 00:49:57,395 --> 00:49:58,694 is from wilmin'ton. 760 00:49:58,696 --> 00:50:01,664 You know, plus I gotta help her move her stuff back here. 761 00:50:01,666 --> 00:50:06,235 Why're you driving to Toledo to see a movie, tobe? 762 00:50:06,237 --> 00:50:08,304 It's not playing at the mapletown. 763 00:50:08,306 --> 00:50:11,073 - Okay. - I didn't know you had a girlfriend, Harvey. 764 00:50:11,075 --> 00:50:13,509 Yeah yeah yeah, we met last week. 765 00:50:21,318 --> 00:50:24,820 Tobe, what movie could possibly be worth 766 00:50:24,822 --> 00:50:27,690 driving 260 miles round trip for? 767 00:50:27,692 --> 00:50:31,494 It's a new film called "revenge of the nerds." 768 00:50:31,496 --> 00:50:34,797 - Ahh. - it's about a group of nerd college students 769 00:50:34,799 --> 00:50:37,566 who are being picked on all the time by the jocks. 770 00:50:37,568 --> 00:50:39,702 So they decide to take revenge. 771 00:50:39,704 --> 00:50:42,104 Uh-huh, so what you're saying is 772 00:50:42,106 --> 00:50:44,273 you identify with those nerds. 773 00:50:44,275 --> 00:50:47,343 Yes, I consider myself a nerd, 774 00:50:47,345 --> 00:50:51,247 and this movie has uplifted me. 775 00:50:51,249 --> 00:50:55,718 There's this one scene where a nerd grabs the microphone 776 00:50:55,720 --> 00:50:58,854 during a pep rally and announces that he is a nerd 777 00:50:58,856 --> 00:51:00,523 and that he is proud of it 778 00:51:00,525 --> 00:51:03,159 and stands up for the rights of other nerds. 779 00:51:03,161 --> 00:51:06,595 - Right on. - Then he asks all the kids at the pep rally 780 00:51:06,597 --> 00:51:09,031 who think they are nerds to come forward. 781 00:51:09,033 --> 00:51:11,000 ( Coughing ) so... 782 00:51:11,002 --> 00:51:14,804 So nearly everyone in the place does. 783 00:51:14,806 --> 00:51:17,506 - That's the way the movie ends. - Uh-huh. 784 00:51:17,508 --> 00:51:21,110 - So the nerds won, huh? - Yes. 785 00:51:21,112 --> 00:51:23,079 All right. 786 00:51:23,081 --> 00:51:26,348 Wow, well, you know, you got this movie 787 00:51:26,350 --> 00:51:28,784 and I'm getting hitched. We both had a good month, huh? 788 00:51:28,786 --> 00:51:30,653 - Right. - yeah. 789 00:51:30,655 --> 00:51:32,655 ( Groans ) 790 00:51:37,961 --> 00:51:39,795 Harvey. 791 00:51:39,797 --> 00:51:41,730 - Harvey, Harvey... - What, yeah? 792 00:51:41,732 --> 00:51:44,233 How long are you going to be in Delaware, 793 00:51:44,235 --> 00:51:47,136 because I'd really like to see this movie with you? 794 00:51:47,138 --> 00:51:48,704 Yeah, I don't know, man. 795 00:51:48,706 --> 00:51:50,706 You know, I'm gonna be gone like a week. 796 00:51:50,708 --> 00:51:53,242 But then, you know, I'm gonna have a wife, so, 797 00:51:53,244 --> 00:51:56,011 you know, so I'm gonna have to bring her along too. 798 00:51:56,013 --> 00:51:58,013 Is it, uh, is it a girl flick? 799 00:51:58,015 --> 00:51:59,448 Depends on the girl. 800 00:51:59,450 --> 00:52:02,218 What kind of girl is your new bride? 801 00:52:02,220 --> 00:52:03,686 Is she a nerd? 802 00:52:03,688 --> 00:52:06,655 I don't know, man. 803 00:52:06,657 --> 00:52:09,892 Maybe, yeah. She's into herbal tea. 804 00:52:11,228 --> 00:52:14,563 ♪ If you like making love at midnight ♪ 805 00:52:14,565 --> 00:52:17,933 ♪ in the dunes on the cape ♪ 806 00:52:17,935 --> 00:52:21,504 ♪ you're the lady I've looked for ♪ 807 00:52:21,506 --> 00:52:24,240 ♪ come with me and escape... ♪ 808 00:52:24,242 --> 00:52:27,243 Real Joyce: I did end up becoming a character in his comics, 809 00:52:27,245 --> 00:52:30,446 and, you know, Harvey 810 00:52:30,448 --> 00:52:33,482 tends to push the negative or the sour 811 00:52:33,484 --> 00:52:37,286 and, uh, he can be very depressed 812 00:52:37,288 --> 00:52:40,022 and therefore very depressing. 813 00:52:40,024 --> 00:52:44,126 Woman: so, Harvey, do you think you portray Joyce fairly? 814 00:52:44,128 --> 00:52:47,196 Yeah, I think i portray her... Fairly. 815 00:52:47,198 --> 00:52:50,933 I, um, you... 816 00:52:50,935 --> 00:52:53,302 You know, there's some things that she does 817 00:52:53,304 --> 00:52:56,071 that I don't put in there, 818 00:52:56,073 --> 00:52:58,073 for, you know... 819 00:52:58,075 --> 00:53:00,743 Obvious reasons, you know, 820 00:53:00,745 --> 00:53:03,379 I don't want to get my head cut off. 821 00:53:03,381 --> 00:53:05,948 But, uh, I think it's-- 822 00:53:05,950 --> 00:53:08,217 my portrayal is 823 00:53:08,219 --> 00:53:11,053 generally fairly accurate. 824 00:53:11,055 --> 00:53:13,789 There have been stories that I've participated in 825 00:53:13,791 --> 00:53:17,693 or things that have happened and I've seen them as, uh, 826 00:53:17,695 --> 00:53:20,763 a lot more happy things going on in them 827 00:53:20,765 --> 00:53:23,065 and he just doesn't-- won't put that in because 828 00:53:23,067 --> 00:53:27,136 he just doesn't think that sunshine and flowers sell. 829 00:53:28,705 --> 00:53:30,472 Is that right? 830 00:53:30,474 --> 00:53:33,609 - Well-- - you always say misery loves company and... 831 00:53:35,412 --> 00:53:38,781 What? you know, I mean, I'm just a gloomy guy, that's all. 832 00:53:38,783 --> 00:53:41,150 Yeah. 833 00:53:41,152 --> 00:53:44,186 It's my perspective, gloom and doom. 834 00:53:44,188 --> 00:53:46,222 And see, I thought i was marrying somebody 835 00:53:46,224 --> 00:53:47,957 with a sense of humor. 836 00:53:47,959 --> 00:53:49,959 ( Music playing ) 837 00:53:49,961 --> 00:53:52,361 I guess i fooled you. 838 00:53:52,363 --> 00:53:56,432 Harvey: what a crock of shit, man. That's not the point. 839 00:53:56,434 --> 00:53:58,834 I think you missed the whole point of the movie. 840 00:53:58,836 --> 00:54:02,504 Where the hell am i supposed to find the point in garbage, Joyce? 841 00:54:02,506 --> 00:54:04,974 I agree with Toby. 842 00:54:04,976 --> 00:54:07,076 I think it's a story of hope and tolerance. 843 00:54:07,078 --> 00:54:09,578 Yes, it's about time that the people 844 00:54:09,580 --> 00:54:12,081 who get picked on get to be the heroes. 845 00:54:12,083 --> 00:54:13,816 It's an entertaining flick and all 846 00:54:13,818 --> 00:54:15,484 and I can see why you like it, Toby. 847 00:54:15,486 --> 00:54:17,319 But those people on the screen 848 00:54:17,321 --> 00:54:19,888 - ain't even supposed to be you, man. - Shhh. 849 00:54:19,890 --> 00:54:21,890 They're-- they're college students 850 00:54:21,892 --> 00:54:24,793 who live with their parents in big houses in the suburbs. 851 00:54:24,795 --> 00:54:27,229 You know, they're gonna get degrees, get good jobs, 852 00:54:27,231 --> 00:54:29,498 and they're gonna stop being nerds, man! 853 00:54:29,500 --> 00:54:33,235 Remember what I told you about loud talking? Use your inside voice, please. 854 00:54:33,237 --> 00:54:35,804 Look, Toby, the guys in that movie 855 00:54:35,806 --> 00:54:37,539 are not 28-year-old file clerks 856 00:54:37,541 --> 00:54:40,042 who live with their grandmother in an ethnic ghetto. 857 00:54:40,044 --> 00:54:42,778 - That's enough, Harvey. - They didn't get their computers 858 00:54:42,780 --> 00:54:45,214 the way you did, by trading in a bunch of box tops 859 00:54:45,216 --> 00:54:47,549 and $49.50 at the supermarket, man. 860 00:54:47,551 --> 00:54:49,318 You're funny, Harvey. 861 00:54:49,320 --> 00:54:51,520 I'm getting in the front. 862 00:54:51,522 --> 00:54:54,690 Sure, Toby, fine. You go to the movies and daydream, 863 00:54:54,692 --> 00:54:57,893 but this "revenge of the nerds" ain't reality. 864 00:54:57,895 --> 00:54:59,995 It's Hollywood bullshit, tobe. 865 00:54:59,997 --> 00:55:02,531 Harvey, let him alone. 866 00:55:02,533 --> 00:55:05,367 Joyce: the thing that I loved about it is I was transported 867 00:55:05,369 --> 00:55:07,036 to another time in my own life... 868 00:55:07,038 --> 00:55:09,505 Toby: I really liked when they took the video cameras... 869 00:55:09,507 --> 00:55:11,540 If everyone in America could see this film. 870 00:55:11,542 --> 00:55:14,543 - It's the same as the "i have a dream" speech, you know? - Very empowering... 871 00:55:14,545 --> 00:55:16,745 ( Harvey narrating ) maybe I was being so harsh on Toby 872 00:55:16,747 --> 00:55:18,514 on account of my own problems. 873 00:55:18,516 --> 00:55:20,316 See, I wasn't even married a month 874 00:55:20,318 --> 00:55:23,018 and my old lady was already showing signs of trouble. 875 00:55:23,020 --> 00:55:26,221 Granted, I tend to get married fast 876 00:55:26,223 --> 00:55:28,991 'cause I'll take any woman that'll have me. 877 00:55:28,993 --> 00:55:31,393 But this time I really met my match. 878 00:55:31,395 --> 00:55:33,595 Harvey: Joyce. 879 00:55:33,597 --> 00:55:35,364 Okay, how about these old 78s, Harvey? 880 00:55:35,366 --> 00:55:37,433 Can't you sell them to one of your collectors? 881 00:55:37,435 --> 00:55:38,867 Are you kidding me, man? No way. 882 00:55:38,869 --> 00:55:42,037 I ain't getting rid of my 78s, okay? 883 00:55:42,039 --> 00:55:43,872 Forget it then, i give up. 884 00:55:43,874 --> 00:55:45,541 How can I make more storage space 885 00:55:45,543 --> 00:55:47,476 if you won't get rid of anything? 886 00:55:47,478 --> 00:55:50,212 You know what? I'll get rid of stuff, okay? 887 00:55:50,214 --> 00:55:53,048 - Just not my good stuff. - Everything is your good stuff. 888 00:55:53,050 --> 00:55:56,151 How am I supposed to live here if there's no room for me? 889 00:55:56,153 --> 00:55:58,253 C'mon, baby. 890 00:55:58,255 --> 00:55:59,922 I'll make room for you, okay? 891 00:55:59,924 --> 00:56:02,157 - ( Door buzzing ) - you just have to give me time. 892 00:56:02,159 --> 00:56:03,792 I'm not so good at these kinds of things. 893 00:56:03,794 --> 00:56:06,662 - That's because you're obsessive-compulsive. - Oh, c'mon! 894 00:56:06,664 --> 00:56:08,564 I don't wanna hear that psychobabble crap. 895 00:56:08,566 --> 00:56:10,299 I don't care if you don't want to hear it. 896 00:56:10,301 --> 00:56:12,534 You are the poster child for the d.S.M.-III. 897 00:56:12,536 --> 00:56:15,838 I'll have you know i come from a very dysfunctional family, Harvey. 898 00:56:15,840 --> 00:56:18,741 I can spot a personality disorder miles away. 899 00:56:18,743 --> 00:56:20,976 ( Knocks ) 900 00:56:20,978 --> 00:56:23,345 Hello, Joyce. 901 00:56:23,347 --> 00:56:27,616 Is Harvey home? 902 00:56:27,618 --> 00:56:29,718 Borderline autistic. 903 00:56:34,491 --> 00:56:36,392 Are you listening to me? 904 00:56:36,394 --> 00:56:39,862 I tell you that Toby is a spy. 905 00:56:41,998 --> 00:56:44,566 Paranoid personality disorder. 906 00:56:57,480 --> 00:57:00,015 Polymorphously perverse. 907 00:57:01,084 --> 00:57:02,851 ( Phone rings ) 908 00:57:02,853 --> 00:57:05,788 - Harvey on answering machine: Hey, leave a message. - ( Beeps ) 909 00:57:05,790 --> 00:57:08,424 Harvey: it's me, pick up the phone. 910 00:57:08,426 --> 00:57:11,894 You're not gonna believe this, but, uh, some la producer 911 00:57:11,896 --> 00:57:14,696 called and wants to do a play about my life. 912 00:57:14,698 --> 00:57:16,899 Call me back. Call me here. 913 00:57:17,867 --> 00:57:20,335 Delusions of grandeur. 914 00:57:20,337 --> 00:57:24,239 ♪ As she gave me languid lessons ♪ 915 00:57:24,241 --> 00:57:27,876 ♪ on that beach at waikiki... ♪ 916 00:57:27,878 --> 00:57:30,012 ( Applause ) 917 00:57:30,014 --> 00:57:33,148 ♪ Honey gal, oh, wikki wikki... ♪ 918 00:57:43,126 --> 00:57:46,628 See, I think comics can pretty much be an art form, man. 919 00:57:46,630 --> 00:57:49,097 I mean, the pictures can be as... 920 00:57:49,099 --> 00:57:50,599 As good as they want to be 921 00:57:50,601 --> 00:57:53,001 and the words can be as good as they want to be and... 922 00:57:53,003 --> 00:57:55,637 A man can do pretty much anything he wants to. 923 00:57:57,807 --> 00:58:00,108 That's true, Harvey. 924 00:58:00,110 --> 00:58:02,177 But I didn't come all the way from Delaware 925 00:58:02,179 --> 00:58:04,379 to talk about comics. 926 00:58:28,438 --> 00:58:32,774 ( Vomiting ) 927 00:58:34,410 --> 00:58:38,547 ( Guitar playing ) ♪ where is my American splendor ♪ 928 00:58:38,549 --> 00:58:42,217 ♪ in a world that's cloudy and gray ♪ 929 00:58:42,219 --> 00:58:49,191 ♪ where life keeps passing by me, day by day? ♪ 930 00:58:50,460 --> 00:58:54,963 ♪ Where is my American splendor ♪ 931 00:58:54,965 --> 00:58:59,201 ♪ in a world that's cloudy and gray ♪ 932 00:58:59,203 --> 00:59:03,639 ♪ where life keeps passing by me, day by day? ♪ 933 00:59:08,478 --> 00:59:11,446 ( Harvey narrating ) if you think reading comics about your life seems strange, 934 00:59:11,448 --> 00:59:13,949 try watching a play about it. 935 00:59:13,951 --> 00:59:18,020 God only knows how I'll feel when I see this movie. 936 00:59:21,291 --> 00:59:23,525 Things were going pretty good for a change. 937 00:59:23,527 --> 00:59:27,095 "Variety" called me the blue-collar Mark twain, 938 00:59:27,097 --> 00:59:29,464 and doubleday was interested in publishing 939 00:59:29,466 --> 00:59:32,301 an anthology of "American splendor." 940 00:59:32,303 --> 00:59:36,371 I hate checking bags, man, it always takes forever. 941 00:59:36,373 --> 00:59:38,240 The bus is gonna leave soon. 942 00:59:38,242 --> 00:59:42,477 That means I gotta shell out an extra 30 bucks for a cab, man. 943 00:59:42,479 --> 00:59:44,813 Oh, here we go. 944 00:59:46,416 --> 00:59:49,751 It figures. That lucky yuppie's gonna get the bus on time. 945 00:59:55,658 --> 00:59:57,626 You know, vasectomies are reversible. 946 00:59:57,628 --> 01:00:00,395 Goddamn yuppies get everything, man. 947 01:00:00,397 --> 01:00:03,498 Are you listening to me? I said vasectomies are reversible. 948 01:00:03,500 --> 01:00:07,369 What? what are you talking about? 949 01:00:07,371 --> 01:00:11,239 I don't want no kids and i came clean about my vasectomy 950 01:00:11,241 --> 01:00:12,975 the first time I set eyes on you. 951 01:00:12,977 --> 01:00:18,113 I know, but I think things have changed. I think we can be a family. 952 01:00:18,115 --> 01:00:21,416 Family, right. What kind of family could we possibly be? 953 01:00:21,418 --> 01:00:23,285 I ain't no good with kids. 954 01:00:23,287 --> 01:00:25,654 Christ, I can barely take care of myself. 955 01:00:25,656 --> 01:00:28,190 I can take care of the kid and you. 956 01:00:28,192 --> 01:00:29,992 No way, Joyce. 957 01:00:29,994 --> 01:00:31,860 Forget it! 958 01:00:31,862 --> 01:00:34,896 I can't have no kids. I can't do it. 959 01:00:45,775 --> 01:00:49,111 Joyce, where the hell is that ornette Coleman album? 960 01:00:49,113 --> 01:00:51,980 You know, I got a review due tomorrow. 961 01:00:51,982 --> 01:00:53,949 I didn't touch it, Harvey. 962 01:00:53,951 --> 01:00:56,284 Would you please let me sleep? 963 01:00:59,355 --> 01:01:01,123 C'mon, it's 1:00. 964 01:01:01,125 --> 01:01:03,191 C'mon, how late can a person sleep, man? 965 01:01:03,193 --> 01:01:05,527 Ouch. 966 01:01:08,031 --> 01:01:10,599 It happens to be Saturday, you selfish son of a bitch! 967 01:01:10,601 --> 01:01:12,167 That don't make no difference. 968 01:01:12,169 --> 01:01:13,769 And don't you tell me what to do. 969 01:01:13,771 --> 01:01:15,704 I'm not telling you what to do, for Christ sake. 970 01:01:15,706 --> 01:01:18,707 I'm the one who moved into your city, into your home. 971 01:01:18,709 --> 01:01:21,610 It's your vasectomy. 972 01:01:22,845 --> 01:01:24,579 It's your whole screwed-up life. 973 01:01:24,581 --> 01:01:28,750 The least you could do is allow me to live here in my own way. 974 01:01:33,289 --> 01:01:35,457 ( Harvey narrating ) I tried everything. 975 01:01:35,459 --> 01:01:38,593 But nothing could get this woman out of bed. 976 01:01:38,595 --> 01:01:42,264 I mean, she wouldn't get a job, wouldn't go out, 977 01:01:42,266 --> 01:01:45,434 wouldn't make friends, nothing. 978 01:01:45,436 --> 01:01:47,469 ( Whistles ) 979 01:01:47,471 --> 01:01:49,504 Joyce. 980 01:01:49,506 --> 01:01:53,141 Joyce diagnosed herself as clinically depressed. 981 01:01:53,143 --> 01:01:56,278 I don't know what the hell she was going through, 982 01:01:56,280 --> 01:01:59,314 but it was sure taking its toll on me. 983 01:01:59,316 --> 01:02:01,283 Joyce, we got a message here. 984 01:02:01,285 --> 01:02:03,685 How come you didn't pick-- 985 01:02:03,687 --> 01:02:06,388 useless, man. 986 01:02:10,727 --> 01:02:13,428 Man: hi, this is a message for Harvey pekar. 987 01:02:13,430 --> 01:02:15,530 My name is Jonathan green and I'm a producer 988 01:02:15,532 --> 01:02:17,499 with "late night with David letterman." 989 01:02:17,501 --> 01:02:19,000 I would like to talk to you about 990 01:02:19,002 --> 01:02:21,069 coming on the show to plug your comics. 991 01:02:21,071 --> 01:02:24,339 Please give us a call at 212-555-3333. 992 01:02:24,341 --> 01:02:28,143 - Thanks. - mmm. 993 01:02:28,145 --> 01:02:32,047 ( Harvey narrating ) Joyce finally got off the futon. 994 01:02:36,953 --> 01:02:38,954 ( Whistle blowing, honks ) 995 01:02:46,596 --> 01:02:53,435 ♪ Well, I'm all alone in the city ♪ 996 01:02:53,437 --> 01:02:56,638 ♪ yes, won't someone 997 01:02:56,640 --> 01:03:01,443 ♪ please have a little pity? ♪ 998 01:03:03,446 --> 01:03:07,449 ♪ Now don't you-- ( Scats ) 999 01:03:07,451 --> 01:03:13,054 ♪ Then I won't-- ( Scats ) 1000 01:03:13,056 --> 01:03:15,724 ♪ Oh oh oh 1001 01:03:15,726 --> 01:03:18,693 ♪ oh lady, be so good to me... ♪ 1002 01:03:21,063 --> 01:03:22,731 ♪ And if you ooooh... 1003 01:03:22,733 --> 01:03:24,332 Huh? 1004 01:03:24,334 --> 01:03:26,201 Uh no. 1005 01:03:26,203 --> 01:03:27,335 Oh, for Christ... 1006 01:03:27,337 --> 01:03:29,204 C'mon, who the hell cares? 1007 01:03:29,206 --> 01:03:32,574 - Jesus chr-- - give that to me. 1008 01:03:32,576 --> 01:03:34,843 What the hell are you doing, anyway? 1009 01:03:34,845 --> 01:03:37,379 Merchandising. 1010 01:03:42,752 --> 01:03:45,253 ( Cheering ) 1011 01:03:52,962 --> 01:03:54,930 - Okay... - Joyce: People like this show? 1012 01:03:54,932 --> 01:03:56,598 ( Raspy voice ) yeah. 1013 01:03:56,600 --> 01:03:59,601 Ahem! man, I can't believe my voice is going out again. 1014 01:03:59,603 --> 01:04:02,671 - What's the matter? You were fine in the hotel. - I don't know. 1015 01:04:02,673 --> 01:04:04,973 You want something to drink? 1016 01:04:04,975 --> 01:04:07,676 Nah, I'm all right, I'm hungry, man. Aren't you hungry? 1017 01:04:07,678 --> 01:04:10,145 They should give you donuts or something, you know. 1018 01:04:10,147 --> 01:04:12,647 - Look at this. - Uh, Dave's ready for you now, Mr. pekar. 1019 01:04:12,649 --> 01:04:16,017 Oh, hey, listen, you got something to eat? 'Cause my stomach is growling. 1020 01:04:16,019 --> 01:04:18,653 - There's no time to eat now. - Oh, come on, man. 1021 01:04:18,655 --> 01:04:21,156 Oh, wait wait wait, what about the doll? 1022 01:04:21,158 --> 01:04:23,992 He's got it at the desk. Will you relax about that? 1023 01:04:23,994 --> 01:04:25,760 Guys, guys, we're in a hurry here. 1024 01:04:25,762 --> 01:04:28,864 - Okay, man! Which way? - Right over here. 1025 01:04:30,333 --> 01:04:34,636 - ( Cheering ) - thank you, boys. 1026 01:04:34,638 --> 01:04:36,938 Our next guest tonight works as a file clerk 1027 01:04:36,940 --> 01:04:38,306 at a Cleveland hospital. 1028 01:04:38,308 --> 01:04:40,976 He also writes comic books which deal with his day-to-day 1029 01:04:40,978 --> 01:04:44,646 pains and pleasures. And this is a anthology of nine of those comics. 1030 01:04:44,648 --> 01:04:46,748 It's entitled "American splendor." 1031 01:04:46,750 --> 01:04:48,850 From off the streets of Cleveland, folks, 1032 01:04:48,852 --> 01:04:51,519 please say hello to Harvey pekar. Harvey, come out here. 1033 01:04:51,521 --> 01:04:53,355 ( Cheering ) 1034 01:04:53,357 --> 01:04:54,956 Hi, Harvey. 1035 01:04:54,958 --> 01:04:57,125 You have to come around here, good. 1036 01:04:59,829 --> 01:05:01,296 Have a seat. 1037 01:05:01,298 --> 01:05:04,266 What do you mean calling me curious, you know? 1038 01:05:04,268 --> 01:05:07,202 I mean, I met you before the show, you know, and-- 1039 01:05:07,204 --> 01:05:09,070 I meant curious in a fascinating way. 1040 01:05:09,072 --> 01:05:10,705 Oh, all right. I'll buy that. 1041 01:05:10,707 --> 01:05:13,208 A man who has has the presence of one who is quite fascinating. 1042 01:05:13,210 --> 01:05:15,243 Okay, 'cause I met you before the show, 1043 01:05:15,245 --> 01:05:18,513 - I thought you were a pretty nice guy, y'know, and then... - Yeah, I think you're-- 1044 01:05:18,515 --> 01:05:21,283 I thought, you know, i might be, uh, nursing a viper in my bosom. 1045 01:05:21,285 --> 01:05:23,818 - Something like that. - You're a little defensive about this, huh? 1046 01:05:23,820 --> 01:05:26,655 Yeah, I am, man. I'm waiting for those Cleveland jokes, you know, go ahead. 1047 01:05:26,657 --> 01:05:27,889 All right, settle down, Harvey. 1048 01:05:27,891 --> 01:05:29,791 Yeah, all right, I'm doing better. 1049 01:05:29,793 --> 01:05:32,193 Now, uh, now let's explain to folks 1050 01:05:32,195 --> 01:05:34,629 who may not be familiar with your work what it is 1051 01:05:34,631 --> 01:05:36,231 you do here, exactly. 1052 01:05:36,233 --> 01:05:39,567 You have, uh, comic books about you in your daily life, 1053 01:05:39,569 --> 01:05:42,070 and you also have a regular job in Cleveland 1054 01:05:42,072 --> 01:05:44,639 - working at a hospital. - That-that's right, that's right. 1055 01:05:44,641 --> 01:05:46,708 - You know this guy? - I'm beginning to wonder. 1056 01:05:46,710 --> 01:05:48,610 ...if you wanted to, you could probably 1057 01:05:48,612 --> 01:05:50,912 get by on what you make selling your work. 1058 01:05:50,914 --> 01:05:53,381 Because I know people are after you to write other things, 1059 01:05:53,383 --> 01:05:55,083 and you're publishing this anthology. 1060 01:05:55,085 --> 01:05:58,186 What-- who-- what people, what people? What are ya talking about? 1061 01:05:58,188 --> 01:06:00,021 Where the hell do you get that stuff? 1062 01:06:00,023 --> 01:06:03,625 I know that you-- you-- ( laughing ) 1063 01:06:03,627 --> 01:06:06,361 You know, that, uh, peop-- 1064 01:06:06,363 --> 01:06:08,396 I'm no showbiz phony. I'm telling the truth. 1065 01:06:08,398 --> 01:06:10,432 - Now you-- now you can't... - Go on, man. 1066 01:06:10,434 --> 01:06:12,767 Well, at least he's keeping up with letterman. 1067 01:06:12,769 --> 01:06:14,169 Pandering is more like it. 1068 01:06:14,171 --> 01:06:16,004 Do you, do you mean to tell me that other people 1069 01:06:16,006 --> 01:06:17,973 haven't contacted you about writing literary-- 1070 01:06:17,975 --> 01:06:20,742 ( tone playing ) 1071 01:06:23,279 --> 01:06:25,613 - Well, I mean, you know like, a... - Damn it! 1072 01:06:25,615 --> 01:06:27,749 What are ya trying to do over there? 1073 01:06:27,751 --> 01:06:30,485 I'm trying to get some news. 1074 01:06:30,487 --> 01:06:32,988 There's a big story about to break about the U.S. 1075 01:06:32,990 --> 01:06:35,991 Selling arms to Iran and the contras. 1076 01:06:35,993 --> 01:06:39,260 - Relax relax. - All right, don't worry about it. 1077 01:06:39,262 --> 01:06:42,597 Oh, finally something good. Watch this. 1078 01:06:42,599 --> 01:06:43,798 I got a job, you know? 1079 01:06:43,800 --> 01:06:45,633 I know you've got a job. I've got a job. 1080 01:06:45,635 --> 01:06:47,602 We're both very lucky. We both have jobs. 1081 01:06:47,604 --> 01:06:49,671 Well, what's the matter then? 1082 01:06:49,673 --> 01:06:52,407 - Look, man-- - we gotta, we gotta go. Now now, just wait. 1083 01:06:52,409 --> 01:06:54,609 Harvey, I like you. I'm on your side. 1084 01:06:54,611 --> 01:06:56,678 I enjoy the comic books and, here, quickly, 1085 01:06:56,680 --> 01:06:59,047 - tell us about the little doll here. - My wife made it. 1086 01:06:59,049 --> 01:07:01,816 Okay. and they're-- and they're, uh... 1087 01:07:01,818 --> 01:07:04,419 - ( Audience laughing ) - what am i-- am I giving you a hard time? 1088 01:07:04,421 --> 01:07:06,755 - Am I making you nervous? - No, you're not making me nervous. 1089 01:07:06,757 --> 01:07:09,391 We have to go now, and I just wanted to mention that these are for sale. 1090 01:07:09,393 --> 01:07:11,159 - Yes. - they're made out of your old clothing. 1091 01:07:11,161 --> 01:07:13,661 - That's right. - Yeah, and what do these go for? 1092 01:07:13,663 --> 01:07:17,098 - 34 bucks. - $34?! 1093 01:07:17,100 --> 01:07:20,702 - $34 for this? - What are you, cheap? Are you cheaper than me? 1094 01:07:20,704 --> 01:07:22,570 Would you pay $34 for that? 1095 01:07:22,572 --> 01:07:24,572 No, but I'm not asking it, my wife is. 1096 01:07:24,574 --> 01:07:26,107 Oh, I see. 1097 01:07:26,109 --> 01:07:28,309 ( Applause ) 1098 01:07:28,311 --> 01:07:31,846 Such brilliant repartee. 1099 01:07:33,849 --> 01:07:36,351 - ( Hisses ) - holy shit, man. 1100 01:07:40,022 --> 01:07:41,289 So what do ya think? 1101 01:07:41,291 --> 01:07:44,059 That's what i get paid for. ( Laughs ) 1102 01:07:45,394 --> 01:07:47,328 Megalomaniac. 1103 01:07:47,330 --> 01:07:49,064 ( Beeps ) 1104 01:07:49,066 --> 01:07:51,733 Man: hi, this is a message for Harvey pekar. 1105 01:07:55,404 --> 01:07:58,740 ( Cheering ) 1106 01:07:58,742 --> 01:08:01,910 Letterman: from the streets of Cleveland, ladies and gentlemen, 1107 01:08:01,912 --> 01:08:04,612 please welcome back the one, the only, 1108 01:08:04,614 --> 01:08:06,948 Harvey pekar. Harvey, come on out, buddy. 1109 01:08:06,950 --> 01:08:09,317 - ( Cheering ) - Harvey... 1110 01:08:09,319 --> 01:08:11,486 ( Harvey narrating ) it became clear pretty fast 1111 01:08:11,488 --> 01:08:13,721 that I was invited on the show just for laughs. 1112 01:08:13,723 --> 01:08:17,258 You look like a lot of guys you see sleeping on buses. 1113 01:08:18,360 --> 01:08:19,394 Sorry. 1114 01:08:19,396 --> 01:08:21,296 It's all right, Dave, have a good time. 1115 01:08:21,298 --> 01:08:23,264 I know, we're doing what we can, all right. 1116 01:08:23,266 --> 01:08:25,266 It's your world, I'm just living in it. 1117 01:08:28,871 --> 01:08:31,506 ( Harvey narrating ) but what the hell did I care? 1118 01:08:31,508 --> 01:08:33,108 Letterman was an okay guy. 1119 01:08:33,110 --> 01:08:36,077 Let him take potshots at me so long as I got paid 1120 01:08:36,079 --> 01:08:37,946 and got to plug my comics. 1121 01:08:37,948 --> 01:08:41,149 Letterman: you look like every police artist sketch I've ever seen. 1122 01:08:41,151 --> 01:08:42,650 This is... 1123 01:08:42,652 --> 01:08:44,319 The funny thing is, 1124 01:08:44,321 --> 01:08:47,021 something about me and letterman clicked for the viewers. 1125 01:08:47,023 --> 01:08:48,389 He kept wanting me back. 1126 01:08:48,391 --> 01:08:50,825 You know, Harvey, it was about a year ago this month-- 1127 01:08:50,827 --> 01:08:52,861 that's right. No, it was last month, David. 1128 01:08:52,863 --> 01:08:55,964 A year ago last month that you made your first appearance on the show. 1129 01:08:55,966 --> 01:08:58,066 - Yeah, right right. - What has happened to you since? 1130 01:08:58,068 --> 01:08:59,968 - Have you been able-- - not much, David. 1131 01:08:59,970 --> 01:09:02,737 - ( Snoring ) - Harvey: Uh, it's slow going. I still have the same job. 1132 01:09:02,739 --> 01:09:06,608 But see, Harvey, you're the embodiment of the American dream. 1133 01:09:06,610 --> 01:09:08,977 And it wasn't just me getting all the attention. 1134 01:09:08,979 --> 01:09:11,579 Man: action! 1135 01:09:11,581 --> 01:09:13,948 Are these free? 1136 01:09:13,950 --> 01:09:15,250 Yeah? 1137 01:09:15,252 --> 01:09:17,785 As a result of my appearances on letterman, 1138 01:09:17,787 --> 01:09:20,155 my buddy Toby radloff landed a gig 1139 01:09:20,157 --> 01:09:22,824 extolling the virtues of mtv. 1140 01:09:24,727 --> 01:09:26,561 Hey, yo yo! 1141 01:09:26,563 --> 01:09:28,363 Watch where you're going. 1142 01:09:28,365 --> 01:09:31,566 All right, you fucking yuppie freak. 1143 01:09:31,568 --> 01:09:33,601 Who the fuck is this on my set? 1144 01:09:36,672 --> 01:09:38,640 Look at this. 1145 01:09:38,642 --> 01:09:40,441 Man of the hour over here. 1146 01:09:40,443 --> 01:09:46,381 This is my new 'do for the mtv generation. 1147 01:09:50,186 --> 01:09:53,555 We came upon Toby radloff while doing a story in Cleveland 1148 01:09:53,557 --> 01:09:56,391 last year on his friend, the comic artist Harvey pekar. 1149 01:09:56,393 --> 01:09:58,526 Toby's a genuine nerd and he doesn't care 1150 01:09:58,528 --> 01:10:00,161 if you have a problem with that. 1151 01:10:00,163 --> 01:10:02,330 Hi, my name is Toby radloff, 1152 01:10:02,332 --> 01:10:04,199 a genuine nerd from Cleveland, Ohio. 1153 01:10:04,201 --> 01:10:06,901 And as you know, many hip people, 1154 01:10:06,903 --> 01:10:09,571 including a lot of college students, 1155 01:10:09,573 --> 01:10:11,940 are gonna be heading for spring break. 1156 01:10:11,942 --> 01:10:15,610 But I've decided to spend my own personal spring break 1157 01:10:15,612 --> 01:10:19,414 right here in beautiful Cleveland, Ohio. 1158 01:10:19,416 --> 01:10:21,616 ♪ I'm on fire... 1159 01:10:21,618 --> 01:10:25,019 ( Harvey narrating ) that day I had an epiphany. 1160 01:10:25,021 --> 01:10:27,422 It seemed that real salt-of-the-earth people 1161 01:10:27,424 --> 01:10:29,724 like Toby and me were getting co-opted 1162 01:10:29,726 --> 01:10:31,459 by these huge corporations. 1163 01:10:31,461 --> 01:10:36,130 We were getting held up and ridiculed as losers in the system. 1164 01:10:36,132 --> 01:10:37,398 This is Toby radloff, 1165 01:10:37,400 --> 01:10:40,768 a genuine spring-break party nerd, signing off. 1166 01:10:40,770 --> 01:10:42,704 Ha ha ha ha ha. 1167 01:10:42,706 --> 01:10:46,474 What can I say? It was the '80s, man. 1168 01:10:46,476 --> 01:10:49,944 Joyce: Harvey, are you listening to me? 1169 01:10:49,946 --> 01:10:52,313 I've been reading about these kids who grew up 1170 01:10:52,315 --> 01:10:57,385 in these war zones. You know, palestinians, Israelis, uh... 1171 01:10:57,387 --> 01:11:00,722 El Salvadorians, Cambodians, and these kids are amazing. 1172 01:11:00,724 --> 01:11:04,025 - They're coping-- - hey, you're that guy from the letterman show, right? 1173 01:11:04,027 --> 01:11:07,729 - Yeah, that's me. - That's so excellent. 1174 01:11:07,731 --> 01:11:10,698 You and stupid pet tricks are a riot. 1175 01:11:10,700 --> 01:11:13,401 Oh yeah? 1176 01:11:13,403 --> 01:11:15,837 Then how about you buy one of my comics, man? 1177 01:11:15,839 --> 01:11:18,106 It's the only reason I go on that dumb show, anyway. 1178 01:11:18,108 --> 01:11:19,941 Right, sure. 1179 01:11:19,943 --> 01:11:21,743 Later, Harvey pekar. 1180 01:11:21,745 --> 01:11:26,481 - What an asshole. - So anyway, I want to write a political comic book 1181 01:11:26,483 --> 01:11:28,249 about these kids. 1182 01:11:28,251 --> 01:11:30,952 There's a... Listen to me. 1183 01:11:30,954 --> 01:11:33,354 There's a conference in Jerusalem in a couple of weeks. 1184 01:11:33,356 --> 01:11:36,424 - I'm gonna start by doing some interviews there. - Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. 1185 01:11:36,426 --> 01:11:39,193 Wait a minute, what're you talking about Jerusalem? 1186 01:11:39,195 --> 01:11:41,462 Lately, I can barely drag you off the futon 1187 01:11:41,464 --> 01:11:43,331 to go with me to "the letterman show." 1188 01:11:43,333 --> 01:11:44,932 - ( Sighs ) - Jerusalem? 1189 01:11:44,934 --> 01:11:46,634 - Do you wanna know why? - Yeah. 1190 01:11:46,636 --> 01:11:49,904 Because I don't give a damn about "the letterman show." 1191 01:11:49,906 --> 01:11:52,073 I want to do something important to me, 1192 01:11:52,075 --> 01:11:53,641 something that matters. 1193 01:11:53,643 --> 01:11:59,547 Hey, you know i only go on the show for the extra bread. 1194 01:11:59,549 --> 01:12:02,617 You know, maybe if you got your lazy ass up 1195 01:12:02,619 --> 01:12:04,085 and got yourself a job, 1196 01:12:04,087 --> 01:12:06,220 I could do something that matters too! 1197 01:12:06,222 --> 01:12:09,223 - Harvey, you're yelling. - You ever think of that? 1198 01:12:19,835 --> 01:12:23,404 Don't-- 1199 01:12:26,475 --> 01:12:28,409 I'm sorry. 1200 01:12:28,411 --> 01:12:33,114 Joyce, I'm sorry. 1201 01:12:37,953 --> 01:12:40,688 ( Harvey narrating ) I guess it was good to finally see Joyce 1202 01:12:40,690 --> 01:12:42,857 excited about something of her own. 1203 01:12:42,859 --> 01:12:46,094 This is crazy, you know. Can't you just do something here in Cleveland? 1204 01:12:46,096 --> 01:12:48,830 Harvey, you'll survive a couple of weeks by yourself. 1205 01:12:50,265 --> 01:12:53,267 All right. Thanks. 1206 01:12:55,471 --> 01:12:57,839 Be careful out there, all right? 1207 01:12:57,841 --> 01:12:59,807 I love you, baby. 1208 01:13:01,844 --> 01:13:04,479 ( Harvey narrating ) sure, I was happy for her, 1209 01:13:04,481 --> 01:13:06,714 but I was still upset for me. 1210 01:13:12,688 --> 01:13:16,290 It was later that night when I first found the lump. 1211 01:13:20,396 --> 01:13:24,499 ( Purring ) 1212 01:13:28,871 --> 01:13:31,005 I was determined to put it out of my mind 1213 01:13:31,007 --> 01:13:33,007 until Joyce got back. 1214 01:13:34,443 --> 01:13:36,744 Easier said than done. 1215 01:13:36,746 --> 01:13:39,080 What do I care? Just gimme the chart already. 1216 01:13:39,082 --> 01:13:40,782 What is your problem today? 1217 01:13:40,784 --> 01:13:42,750 Miguel, look, I just don't want to keep 1218 01:13:42,752 --> 01:13:44,585 coming back here for it, okay? 1219 01:13:44,587 --> 01:13:46,821 Harvey, that patient's due to be admitted a week from now. 1220 01:13:46,823 --> 01:13:49,090 Why do you always have to go picking fights with everybody? 1221 01:13:49,092 --> 01:13:50,858 How many times do we gotta go through the same shit? 1222 01:13:50,860 --> 01:13:52,593 Just give me the fucking charts! 1223 01:13:52,595 --> 01:13:55,663 - We'll see what the doctor has to say about this. - Fine! 1224 01:13:55,665 --> 01:13:58,699 Fu... 1225 01:14:07,943 --> 01:14:09,744 What?! 1226 01:14:35,070 --> 01:14:38,806 What do you mean, another two weeks?! 1227 01:14:38,808 --> 01:14:42,276 Jesus chri-- you gotta come home sometime! 1228 01:14:44,146 --> 01:14:45,980 Joyce?! 1229 01:14:45,982 --> 01:14:48,583 Hello?! 1230 01:14:48,585 --> 01:14:51,452 God damn it! 1231 01:14:54,656 --> 01:14:57,358 ( Busy signal ) 1232 01:15:04,800 --> 01:15:07,001 Letterman: and there you have it, folks. 1233 01:15:07,003 --> 01:15:12,640 Another enlightening episode of stupid pet tricks. 1234 01:15:12,642 --> 01:15:14,442 Just walk straight out to the desk, 1235 01:15:14,444 --> 01:15:16,711 - just greet David there, okay? - I know, fine, yeah. 1236 01:15:16,713 --> 01:15:18,246 - Are you all set? - Yeah. 1237 01:15:19,848 --> 01:15:22,116 ( Harvey narrating ) I was starting to lose it. 1238 01:15:22,118 --> 01:15:24,218 Between the lump, the loneliness, 1239 01:15:24,220 --> 01:15:27,822 I felt like everything was closing in on me. 1240 01:15:27,824 --> 01:15:31,025 And with Joyce over there saving the world, 1241 01:15:31,027 --> 01:15:34,829 I never felt more like a sellout hack in my life. 1242 01:15:34,831 --> 01:15:38,032 Okay. 1243 01:15:38,034 --> 01:15:40,568 You know, folks, if it really is true 1244 01:15:40,570 --> 01:15:43,604 that misery loves company, our next guest must always 1245 01:15:43,606 --> 01:15:46,507 have a house full of people. 1246 01:15:46,509 --> 01:15:49,310 Okay, asshole, you're gonna pay for that one. 1247 01:15:49,312 --> 01:15:51,712 You can read all about his misery in the latest edition 1248 01:15:51,714 --> 01:15:53,981 of the comic book entitled "American splendor." 1249 01:15:53,983 --> 01:15:57,885 Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back Harvey pekar. 1250 01:15:57,887 --> 01:16:00,054 Letterman: Harvey, this is not the forum. 1251 01:16:00,056 --> 01:16:01,756 This is not "meet the press." 1252 01:16:01,758 --> 01:16:04,392 Harvey: you just want me to talk about simple-minded bullshit, David. 1253 01:16:04,394 --> 01:16:05,993 But I ain't co-opted like you, man. 1254 01:16:05,995 --> 01:16:08,429 - I got things i want to say, man. - Oh, relax, Harvey. 1255 01:16:08,431 --> 01:16:11,032 For instance, like, I wanna talk about a conflict- of-interest situation. 1256 01:16:11,034 --> 01:16:13,167 - Harvey-- - can we do that, David? How about that? 1257 01:16:13,169 --> 01:16:16,370 You know, like g.E. Owning this network nbc? 1258 01:16:16,372 --> 01:16:18,906 G.e. has basically become a military-industrial 1259 01:16:18,908 --> 01:16:20,708 financial communications complex. 1260 01:16:20,710 --> 01:16:23,945 Can we get the singing shih-tzu back out here, Larry? Has he left the building yet? 1261 01:16:23,947 --> 01:16:27,014 You think nbc news is gonna cover what they do fairly? That's funny, Dave. 1262 01:16:27,016 --> 01:16:28,816 I got other things i wanna talk about though. 1263 01:16:28,818 --> 01:16:31,919 - That's enough, Harvey. - Just shut up, man. Don't push me, man. 1264 01:16:31,921 --> 01:16:33,921 - I'm doing my own thing. - Harvey, this is not... 1265 01:16:33,923 --> 01:16:35,756 Are you afraid of the truth, David? Is that what it is? 1266 01:16:35,758 --> 01:16:38,826 - It's not what you're saying. - The truth will set you free, David. 1267 01:16:38,828 --> 01:16:42,797 It's your choice of a venue. It may come as a shock to you, but this is a comedy show. 1268 01:16:42,799 --> 01:16:45,666 - Not tonight, it ain't, okay? - Joe, hey, come check this out. 1269 01:16:45,668 --> 01:16:48,769 Maybe you can take your winning personality and o out and get your own show. 1270 01:16:48,771 --> 01:16:50,504 I don't want my own goddamn show, David. 1271 01:16:50,506 --> 01:16:53,207 Because it seems to me we've had you on this show many many times. 1272 01:16:53,209 --> 01:16:55,376 You sulk and complain and promote your comic book 1273 01:16:55,378 --> 01:16:57,378 and you really haven't been very appreciative. 1274 01:16:57,380 --> 01:17:00,181 - Well, you didn't do me any favors, Dave, okay? - Harvey-- 1275 01:17:00,183 --> 01:17:03,417 I'm still a file clerk. I have always been a file clerk. 1276 01:17:03,419 --> 01:17:06,487 - That's enough, Harvey. - And it's no thanks to you 1277 01:17:06,489 --> 01:17:08,656 or to your goddamn pathetic audience, man. 1278 01:17:08,658 --> 01:17:10,191 ( Booing ) 1279 01:17:10,193 --> 01:17:12,627 Okay, we're gonna take a commercial, 1280 01:17:12,629 --> 01:17:15,062 and when we come back, guess who's not gonna be here? 1281 01:17:15,064 --> 01:17:16,597 You want me to leave, David? 1282 01:17:16,599 --> 01:17:18,633 C'mon, ask me like a man, David. 1283 01:17:18,635 --> 01:17:20,234 Don't hide it behind a commercial. 1284 01:17:20,236 --> 01:17:22,136 Are things okay at home, Harvey? 1285 01:17:22,138 --> 01:17:24,305 Things are just grand at home, Dave, okay? 1286 01:17:24,307 --> 01:17:26,040 Goodbye, Dave. Goodbye, America. 1287 01:17:26,042 --> 01:17:28,843 - Thanks for nothing, man. - Harvey pekar, ladies and gentlemen. 1288 01:17:28,845 --> 01:17:32,113 - We'll be right back. - ( Applause ) 1289 01:17:33,949 --> 01:17:36,283 ( Laughs ) 1290 01:17:36,285 --> 01:17:38,285 I guess you really did it this time, huh? 1291 01:17:38,287 --> 01:17:40,988 Harvey: yeah, who the hell cares? 1292 01:17:40,990 --> 01:17:44,191 That show wasn't helping my sales anyway. 1293 01:17:47,529 --> 01:17:52,099 Baby, please don't go away anymore. 1294 01:17:52,101 --> 01:17:54,835 I just, I can't take being alone, you know? 1295 01:17:54,837 --> 01:17:57,204 Harvey, if you met those kids over there and you saw 1296 01:17:57,206 --> 01:17:59,306 what they went through, you wouldn't ask that of me. 1297 01:17:59,308 --> 01:18:02,610 I'm telling you something. If you go away again, 1298 01:18:02,612 --> 01:18:05,780 - I'm gonna lose it. - Harvey, this is not up for discussion. 1299 01:18:05,782 --> 01:18:08,382 I need this in my life right now. 1300 01:18:14,156 --> 01:18:18,592 I do appreciate the fact that you missed me so much, baby. 1301 01:18:20,328 --> 01:18:21,829 Hmm? 1302 01:18:21,831 --> 01:18:23,264 Mm-hmm. 1303 01:18:23,266 --> 01:18:25,366 Mmm. 1304 01:18:30,572 --> 01:18:32,740 Harvey, what is that? 1305 01:18:32,742 --> 01:18:35,476 Joyce: I don't understand. 1306 01:18:35,478 --> 01:18:40,214 Does tumor mean the same thing as cancer? 1307 01:18:40,216 --> 01:18:43,517 We know the growth is malignant. 1308 01:18:43,519 --> 01:18:45,953 What we don't know is how far it may have spread. 1309 01:18:45,955 --> 01:18:50,157 Once we have the results we can make more informed decisions about treatment... 1310 01:18:50,159 --> 01:18:52,359 ( Echoing ) decisions, cancer cancer. 1311 01:18:52,361 --> 01:18:54,595 Diag-diag-diagnosis... 1312 01:18:54,597 --> 01:18:55,830 Mri, mri, mri... 1313 01:18:55,832 --> 01:18:58,699 Cancer, cancer, cancer, cancer, cancer... 1314 01:19:00,402 --> 01:19:02,470 How can I have cancer? 1315 01:19:04,906 --> 01:19:06,907 I don't feel sick at all. 1316 01:19:06,909 --> 01:19:09,844 Well, that's a positive thing. 1317 01:19:11,346 --> 01:19:14,648 My cousin Norman died of lymphoma. 1318 01:19:16,284 --> 01:19:19,220 He was 29 and he was a brilliant oncologist. 1319 01:19:19,222 --> 01:19:23,357 Stop it, you're not gonna die, Harvey. You're not. 1320 01:19:23,359 --> 01:19:25,960 What's gonna happen to you, baby? 1321 01:19:25,962 --> 01:19:28,129 Who's gonna take care of you if I'm not around? 1322 01:19:28,131 --> 01:19:31,265 Harvey, look at me and focus. 1323 01:19:31,267 --> 01:19:34,235 We are gonna get through this. 1324 01:19:34,237 --> 01:19:36,637 I understand illness. 1325 01:19:36,639 --> 01:19:40,040 - I know how to handle these things. - Yeah, but that's... 1326 01:19:40,042 --> 01:19:42,510 You, you know. I'm not strong enough. 1327 01:19:42,512 --> 01:19:45,279 I don't know how to be... positive. 1328 01:19:45,281 --> 01:19:46,814 I can't do that. I can't do it. 1329 01:19:46,816 --> 01:19:48,282 - Yes, you can. - No, I can't. 1330 01:19:48,284 --> 01:19:50,251 Yes, you can. 1331 01:19:50,253 --> 01:19:53,053 I'll tell you how. 1332 01:19:53,055 --> 01:19:55,723 You'll make a comic book of the whole thing. 1333 01:19:55,725 --> 01:19:59,293 You'll document every detail. 1334 01:19:59,295 --> 01:20:02,763 And that-- that way you'll remove yourself 1335 01:20:02,765 --> 01:20:05,266 from the experience until it's over. 1336 01:20:10,138 --> 01:20:11,939 I can't do that. 1337 01:20:11,941 --> 01:20:15,409 I'm just not strong enough. 1338 01:20:15,411 --> 01:20:17,878 I just want to die. 1339 01:20:20,148 --> 01:20:22,516 That's fine, I'll do it without ya. 1340 01:20:52,981 --> 01:20:56,684 ( Door buzzer ) 1341 01:21:08,530 --> 01:21:10,965 Hey, I'm Fred. 1342 01:21:10,967 --> 01:21:14,034 You called me about the comic book? 1343 01:21:14,036 --> 01:21:15,870 Right, the artist. 1344 01:21:15,872 --> 01:21:17,938 Uh, come in. 1345 01:21:21,710 --> 01:21:25,179 This is, uh, my daughter Danielle. 1346 01:21:25,181 --> 01:21:28,249 I had to bring her along. I hope you don't mind. 1347 01:21:30,652 --> 01:21:32,586 Well, hi, Danielle. 1348 01:21:32,588 --> 01:21:35,823 What's that you're holding? 1349 01:21:35,825 --> 01:21:37,524 A pony. 1350 01:21:37,526 --> 01:21:41,362 A pony, what's his name? 1351 01:21:41,364 --> 01:21:46,233 She's a girl. Clarissa. 1352 01:21:46,235 --> 01:21:48,502 Oh, I see. 1353 01:21:48,504 --> 01:21:50,371 Well, I'm Joyce, 1354 01:21:50,373 --> 01:21:53,974 and I'm very pleased to meet both you and Clarissa. 1355 01:21:53,976 --> 01:21:56,510 Hey, I'm real sorry to hear about Harvey. 1356 01:21:56,512 --> 01:21:58,279 - Is he here? - No, he's going to work 1357 01:21:58,281 --> 01:22:00,447 until next week when he starts the chemo. 1358 01:22:00,449 --> 01:22:02,783 But that's why I want to get this project started 1359 01:22:02,785 --> 01:22:06,287 because once he's stuck here, i know he'll take over. 1360 01:22:15,697 --> 01:22:18,432 Oh shit. 1361 01:22:20,936 --> 01:22:21,969 Man. 1362 01:22:21,971 --> 01:22:24,638 ( Door buzzer ) 1363 01:22:26,608 --> 01:22:29,076 Fucking idiot, man. 1364 01:22:29,078 --> 01:22:31,111 Hey, Joyce. 1365 01:22:31,113 --> 01:22:32,980 Open the door! 1366 01:22:32,982 --> 01:22:37,151 I forgot my keys again, Joyce. 1367 01:22:39,220 --> 01:22:42,222 Hold the door, hold the door. 1368 01:22:48,430 --> 01:22:51,031 ( Music playing ) 1369 01:22:56,972 --> 01:22:59,006 Joyce! 1370 01:22:59,008 --> 01:23:01,875 Open the fucking door, man! 1371 01:23:05,714 --> 01:23:07,848 - Hey, Harvey. - ♪ but the city was gone... 1372 01:23:07,850 --> 01:23:10,184 Fred? 1373 01:23:10,186 --> 01:23:13,487 ♪ There was no train station ♪ 1374 01:23:15,123 --> 01:23:17,825 ♪ there was no downtown... ♪ 1375 01:23:17,827 --> 01:23:19,593 What the fuck's going on, man? 1376 01:23:19,595 --> 01:23:23,263 ♪ Somehow it had disappeared. ♪ 1377 01:23:23,265 --> 01:23:25,599 Fred: see, i-i-- I thought it was a great idea, you know. 1378 01:23:25,601 --> 01:23:29,069 Joyce said, you know, we'd try to just follow you through your treatments. 1379 01:23:29,071 --> 01:23:31,905 She thought it was a good idea too, didn't she? 1380 01:23:31,907 --> 01:23:36,310 Here's some of the ideas we've been batting around. I mean... 1381 01:23:41,750 --> 01:23:44,485 Jesus, we-- 1382 01:23:44,487 --> 01:23:48,455 Joyce has no idea what she's doing, man. 1383 01:23:48,457 --> 01:23:51,091 There's too many words in these frames. 1384 01:23:51,093 --> 01:23:54,695 When are you coming back, Fred? 1385 01:23:54,697 --> 01:23:56,864 Oh, uh... 1386 01:23:56,866 --> 01:23:59,466 She said something about next Tuesday, which is... 1387 01:23:59,468 --> 01:24:03,170 It's fine with me, it's just the only thing is 1388 01:24:03,172 --> 01:24:05,205 I might have the kid again. 1389 01:24:05,207 --> 01:24:07,841 See, my ex-wife is supposed to take her 1390 01:24:07,843 --> 01:24:10,377 but I don't have much faith in her showing up. 1391 01:24:10,379 --> 01:24:14,448 She's in worse shape than me these days, so. 1392 01:24:14,450 --> 01:24:16,150 Rub it around. 1393 01:24:22,757 --> 01:24:27,961 Next week my... My treatment begins. 1394 01:24:30,732 --> 01:24:33,200 Do me a favor, man, bring the kid, will you? 1395 01:24:39,240 --> 01:24:41,708 Okay. 1396 01:25:25,653 --> 01:25:27,754 Joyce: Harvey, what are you doing? 1397 01:25:27,756 --> 01:25:30,157 Stop it, stop it, stop it. 1398 01:25:32,894 --> 01:25:37,431 ( Slaps ) you're doing this on purpose, purpose, purpose... 1399 01:26:02,023 --> 01:26:05,859 ( Mumbles ) i don't care, man. 1400 01:26:12,367 --> 01:26:14,101 Thanks. 1401 01:26:25,580 --> 01:26:30,184 - ( Purring ) - I wanna die. 1402 01:26:32,720 --> 01:26:35,989 Just let me die, just let me die... 1403 01:27:08,423 --> 01:27:10,557 Joyce. 1404 01:27:12,427 --> 01:27:15,195 - Joyce. - what? 1405 01:27:15,197 --> 01:27:16,797 What's wrong, Harvey? 1406 01:27:16,799 --> 01:27:19,900 What're you doing up? ( Coughs ) 1407 01:27:19,902 --> 01:27:22,636 What is it? 1408 01:27:22,638 --> 01:27:24,905 Tell me the truth. 1409 01:27:24,907 --> 01:27:27,975 Am I... 1410 01:27:27,977 --> 01:27:30,978 Am I a guy who writes about himself 1411 01:27:30,980 --> 01:27:33,513 in a comic book? 1412 01:27:33,515 --> 01:27:36,483 Or am I just... 1413 01:27:38,286 --> 01:27:40,654 Am I just a character in that book? 1414 01:27:40,656 --> 01:27:44,091 What are you talking about? What are you saying? 1415 01:27:44,093 --> 01:27:49,363 If I die, will that character keep going? 1416 01:27:51,432 --> 01:27:53,867 Or will he just fade away? 1417 01:27:55,603 --> 01:27:57,704 - ( Groans ) - Harvey! 1418 01:27:57,706 --> 01:27:59,706 Harvey! 1419 01:27:59,708 --> 01:28:03,744 Harvey. oh my god. Harvey, wake up! 1420 01:28:03,746 --> 01:28:06,013 Wake up, Harvey, c'mon! 1421 01:28:06,015 --> 01:28:11,485 Harvey? oh no no no. C'mon, wake up. 1422 01:28:11,487 --> 01:28:14,288 Harvey, can you hear me? 1423 01:28:25,366 --> 01:28:27,234 My name is Harvey pekar. 1424 01:28:27,236 --> 01:28:32,272 Now that's an unusual name, Harvey pekar. 1425 01:28:36,144 --> 01:28:38,712 1960 was the year i got my first apartment 1426 01:28:38,714 --> 01:28:41,014 and my first phone book. 1427 01:28:41,016 --> 01:28:44,584 Now imagine my surprise when I looked up my name 1428 01:28:44,586 --> 01:28:47,154 and saw that in addition to me, 1429 01:28:47,156 --> 01:28:49,389 another Harvey pekar was listed. 1430 01:28:49,391 --> 01:28:55,362 Now I was listed as "Harvey l. Pekar." 1431 01:28:55,364 --> 01:28:58,065 - My middle name is Lawrence. - ( Ringing ) 1432 01:28:58,067 --> 01:29:01,068 He was listed as "Harvey pekar." 1433 01:29:02,937 --> 01:29:05,639 Therefore his was a purer listing. 1434 01:29:09,077 --> 01:29:11,144 Then in the '70s, 1435 01:29:11,146 --> 01:29:13,914 I noticed that a third Harvey pekar 1436 01:29:13,916 --> 01:29:16,383 was listed in the phone book. 1437 01:29:16,385 --> 01:29:19,152 Now this filled me with curiosity. 1438 01:29:20,355 --> 01:29:22,656 How could there be three people with such 1439 01:29:22,658 --> 01:29:26,460 an unusual name in the world, let alone in one city? 1440 01:29:28,796 --> 01:29:32,733 Then one day a person I work with 1441 01:29:32,735 --> 01:29:35,535 expressed her sympathy to me 1442 01:29:35,537 --> 01:29:39,439 concerning what she thought was the death of my father. 1443 01:29:39,441 --> 01:29:42,609 And she pointed out an obituary notice 1444 01:29:42,611 --> 01:29:46,646 in the newspaper for a man named Harvey pekar. 1445 01:29:46,648 --> 01:29:51,218 And one of his sons was named Harvey. 1446 01:29:53,554 --> 01:29:56,857 These were the other Harvey pekars. 1447 01:30:01,763 --> 01:30:04,998 Then six months later, Harvey pekar Jr. died. 1448 01:30:05,000 --> 01:30:08,535 Although I'd met neither man, 1449 01:30:08,537 --> 01:30:12,005 I was filled with sadness. 1450 01:30:13,541 --> 01:30:15,942 What were they like? I thought. 1451 01:30:17,578 --> 01:30:21,948 It seemed our lives had been linked in some indefinable way. 1452 01:30:23,484 --> 01:30:26,620 But the story does not end there. 1453 01:30:26,622 --> 01:30:29,689 For two years later, 1454 01:30:29,691 --> 01:30:33,493 another Harvey pekar appeared in the phone book. 1455 01:30:34,796 --> 01:30:38,298 Who are these people? 1456 01:30:39,867 --> 01:30:42,068 Where do they come from? 1457 01:30:42,070 --> 01:30:44,871 What do they do? 1458 01:30:47,642 --> 01:30:50,010 What's in a name? 1459 01:30:52,580 --> 01:30:55,348 Who is Harvey pekar? 1460 01:31:14,702 --> 01:31:16,636 You know, we've got the t-shirts for sale 1461 01:31:16,638 --> 01:31:18,405 upstairs if you're interested. 1462 01:31:18,407 --> 01:31:19,940 Yeah, c'mon, man. 1463 01:31:19,942 --> 01:31:22,809 ( Harvey narrating ) here's our man, a year later. 1464 01:31:22,811 --> 01:31:25,512 Somehow I made it through the treatments 1465 01:31:25,514 --> 01:31:28,615 and the doctors are optimistic. 1466 01:31:28,617 --> 01:31:32,052 I guess Joyce was right about doing a big comic book. 1467 01:31:32,054 --> 01:31:34,988 We published the thing as a graphic novel. 1468 01:31:34,990 --> 01:31:36,923 Our first collaboration, 1469 01:31:36,925 --> 01:31:39,392 and ended up with rave reviews. 1470 01:31:39,394 --> 01:31:43,597 We even won a couple of national book awards. 1471 01:31:43,599 --> 01:31:45,499 Go figure. 1472 01:31:45,501 --> 01:31:47,133 Bye. 1473 01:31:47,135 --> 01:31:49,703 Joyce: those are beautiful. Did you find those in there? 1474 01:31:49,705 --> 01:31:53,807 - Danielle: mm-hm. - I didn't even see those. Let me see. 1475 01:31:53,809 --> 01:31:57,310 - I like these flowers. - Are you finished? 1476 01:31:57,312 --> 01:32:02,048 Oh, Danielle, I love it, very expressive colors. 1477 01:32:06,654 --> 01:32:10,056 - Hey, Joyce. - What is it, Harvey? 1478 01:32:10,058 --> 01:32:13,693 That was the doctor. 1479 01:32:18,966 --> 01:32:21,234 He says I'm all clear. 1480 01:32:47,628 --> 01:32:52,332 ( Harvey narrating ) the weirdest thing that came out of my illness was Danielle. 1481 01:32:54,302 --> 01:32:57,604 With her real mother running around who-knows-where, 1482 01:32:57,606 --> 01:33:01,508 - and seeing how well her and Joyce got on... - ( Laughs ) 1483 01:33:01,510 --> 01:33:04,144 Fred decided she'd have a better life with us. 1484 01:33:14,522 --> 01:33:17,324 I was scared at first, but then I thought, "what the hell? 1485 01:33:17,326 --> 01:33:20,493 - She's a good kid." - Joyce: Hi, Harvey. 1486 01:33:21,996 --> 01:33:25,699 So we ended up taking her and raising her as our own. 1487 01:33:32,873 --> 01:33:34,941 You keep reading 'em backwards. 1488 01:33:34,943 --> 01:33:37,110 I like reading them backwards. 1489 01:33:37,112 --> 01:33:39,279 Is that one you? 1490 01:33:39,281 --> 01:33:43,483 I keep telling you, all of 'em's me, man. 1491 01:33:43,485 --> 01:33:46,119 You look like a monster. 1492 01:33:46,121 --> 01:33:48,121 Yeah well, you know. 1493 01:33:48,123 --> 01:33:51,524 - Wait till you see what you're gonna look like. - Me? 1494 01:33:51,526 --> 01:33:54,461 Yeah, you're part of the story too now. 1495 01:33:54,463 --> 01:33:55,762 What story? 1496 01:33:55,764 --> 01:33:58,565 The story of my life. 1497 01:33:58,567 --> 01:34:00,567 Oh. 1498 01:34:00,569 --> 01:34:04,204 Yeah, I know I'm not as interesting as "the little mermaid" 1499 01:34:04,206 --> 01:34:06,139 and all that-- all that magical crap. 1500 01:34:06,141 --> 01:34:08,842 I think I'm gonna write my own comic. 1501 01:34:08,844 --> 01:34:10,844 Oh yeah, what about? 1502 01:34:10,846 --> 01:34:14,214 I'm not sure yet, but not about you. 1503 01:34:14,216 --> 01:34:18,184 I think you have enough already. 1504 01:34:25,092 --> 01:34:26,826 You know, 1505 01:34:26,828 --> 01:34:29,929 you should write about things in your own life. 1506 01:34:29,931 --> 01:34:33,133 You know, like school, and, uh... 1507 01:34:35,102 --> 01:34:37,671 Ponies, you know, i don't know, girl stuff. 1508 01:34:37,673 --> 01:34:41,541 Do you have to hold my hand? 1509 01:34:41,543 --> 01:34:46,079 What, are you embarrassed of me? 1510 01:34:46,081 --> 01:34:48,581 I know, I know, I know. I'm embarrassing. 1511 01:34:48,583 --> 01:34:51,017 I felt the same way about my father. 1512 01:34:51,019 --> 01:34:53,486 No, Harvey, it's just when you hold my hand, 1513 01:34:53,488 --> 01:34:55,755 you squeeze it too hard. 1514 01:34:55,757 --> 01:34:58,992 Okay, go on. 1515 01:35:00,695 --> 01:35:04,030 Joyce is right, you are obsessive-compulsive. 1516 01:35:04,032 --> 01:35:06,466 ( Snorts ) go on. 1517 01:35:28,489 --> 01:35:32,225 ( Harvey narrating ) yeah, so I guess comics brought me a lot. 1518 01:35:32,227 --> 01:35:36,029 But don't think this is some sunny, happy ending. 1519 01:35:36,031 --> 01:35:39,099 Every day is still a major struggle. 1520 01:35:39,101 --> 01:35:41,768 Joyce and I fight like crazy. 1521 01:35:41,770 --> 01:35:43,737 And she barely works. 1522 01:35:43,739 --> 01:35:46,840 The kid's got a.D.D. And is a real handful. 1523 01:35:46,842 --> 01:35:50,443 My life is total chaos. 1524 01:35:59,153 --> 01:36:00,854 With a little luck, 1525 01:36:00,856 --> 01:36:03,123 I'll get a window of good health 1526 01:36:03,125 --> 01:36:05,525 between retiring and dying. 1527 01:36:05,527 --> 01:36:07,861 The golden years, right? 1528 01:36:07,863 --> 01:36:10,930 Who knows, between my pension 1529 01:36:10,932 --> 01:36:12,999 and the chunk of change I get for this film, 1530 01:36:13,001 --> 01:36:16,703 I should be able to swing something. 1531 01:36:19,039 --> 01:36:21,941 Sure, I'll lose the war eventually, 1532 01:36:21,943 --> 01:36:25,345 but the goal is to win a few skirmishes along the way, 1533 01:36:25,347 --> 01:36:27,614 right? 1534 01:36:30,284 --> 01:36:32,485 Crowd: surprise! 1535 01:36:32,487 --> 01:36:34,587 ♪ For he's a jolly good fellow ♪ 1536 01:36:34,589 --> 01:36:38,158 ♪ for he's a jolly good fellow ♪ 1537 01:36:38,160 --> 01:36:40,293 ♪ which nobody can deny. ♪ 1538 01:36:40,295 --> 01:36:43,897 - All: surprise. - ( Applause ) 1539 01:37:31,912 --> 01:37:35,148 ( Music playing ) 1540 01:37:52,833 --> 01:37:56,569 ♪ You do me wrong 1541 01:37:56,571 --> 01:38:00,840 ♪ and I'm crazy about you 1542 01:38:03,143 --> 01:38:06,179 ♪ stay away too long 1543 01:38:06,181 --> 01:38:10,049 ♪ and I can't do without you ♪ 1544 01:38:12,519 --> 01:38:15,288 ♪ every chance you get 1545 01:38:16,290 --> 01:38:18,858 ♪ you seem to hurt me 1546 01:38:18,860 --> 01:38:21,694 ♪ more and more 1547 01:38:23,163 --> 01:38:26,266 ♪ each hurt makes my love 1548 01:38:26,268 --> 01:38:31,104 ♪ a little stronger than before ♪ 1549 01:38:31,106 --> 01:38:35,642 ♪ I know flowers can go through rain ♪ 1550 01:38:35,644 --> 01:38:41,314 ♪ but how can love go through pain? ♪ 1551 01:38:45,152 --> 01:38:48,788 ♪ Ain't that peculiar? 1552 01:38:57,531 --> 01:39:00,600 ♪ You tell me lies 1553 01:39:00,602 --> 01:39:04,704 ♪ that should be obvious to me ♪ 1554 01:39:06,840 --> 01:39:11,044 ♪ I've been so much in love with you ♪ 1555 01:39:11,046 --> 01:39:14,681 ♪ till i-- I don't wanna see ♪ 1556 01:39:14,683 --> 01:39:19,686 ♪ the things you do and say ♪ 1557 01:39:19,688 --> 01:39:24,891 ♪ are designed to make me blue ♪ 1558 01:39:26,927 --> 01:39:30,730 ♪ it's a such a shame my love ♪ 1559 01:39:30,732 --> 01:39:34,767 ♪ makes all your lies seem true ♪ 1560 01:39:34,769 --> 01:39:39,939 ♪ and if truth makes love last longer ♪ 1561 01:39:39,941 --> 01:39:45,878 ♪ why do lies make my love stronger? ♪ 1562 01:39:49,750 --> 01:39:53,286 ♪ Ain't that peculiar? 1563 01:40:11,405 --> 01:40:14,540 ♪ A child can cry so much ♪ 1564 01:40:14,542 --> 01:40:19,645 ♪ you do everything that they say ♪ 1565 01:40:19,647 --> 01:40:23,950 ♪ but unlike a child my tears ♪ 1566 01:40:23,952 --> 01:40:26,953 ♪ don't help me 1567 01:40:26,955 --> 01:40:29,022 ♪ to get my way 1568 01:40:29,024 --> 01:40:34,193 ♪ I know love can last through tears ♪ 1569 01:40:34,195 --> 01:40:39,465 ♪ but how can love last through years? ♪ 1570 01:40:43,404 --> 01:40:47,807 ♪ Ain't that peculiar? 1571 01:40:49,309 --> 01:40:53,079 ♪ Peculiar as can be 1572 01:40:59,453 --> 01:41:02,955 ♪ strange. 125863